(January 20, 2026) – As leaders in Washington continue to prioritize energy dominance over conservation, the economic benefits of protecting national monuments across the West has been called into question. This has uncovered an urgent and prescient need to explore the economic value that monuments hold in their protected state. While national and state-level data exists to show the economic vitality of our public lands, there is a lack of robust data that shows the economic value of specific landscapes.
That data gap is beginning to be filled. A new statistical analysis from The Conservation Alliance and Headwaters Economics of 35 national monuments shows no disruptions to local job growth or economic trajectories, and even increases in per capita income levels, in communities following a monument designation. The research draws on federal economic and demographic data for communities surrounding national monuments greater than 10,000 acres in the contiguous western states, and designated after 1982. Five new monuments have been designated since 2022, and forecasted data suggest most of them will also experience similar employment and income growth seen near other monuments.
“It’s encouraging to see how steady local economic trajectories can be after a national monument is designated nearby,” said Dr. Megan Lawson, a public lands and outdoor recreation economist at Headwaters Economics and author of the analysis. “National monuments are clearly playing important roles in local livelihoods, economic development, and the quality of life for residents.”
The new analysis demonstrates that Western counties with protected public lands, like national monuments, are projected to be more successful at attracting fast-growing economic sectors and as a result are expected to grow more quickly, on average, than counties without protected public lands. In addition, protected natural amenities are projected to help sustain property values and attract new investment.
“This study confirms what many business owners and employees across the West already knew to be true – national monuments and other protected public lands drive visitors, customers, recreationalists, and more to communities that depend on outdoor exploration and tourism to thrive,” said Paul Hendricks, Executive Director of The Conservation Alliance. “Not only do national monuments benefit local businesses and economies in the short-term, but they are the cornerstone for building long-term, sustainable economies that can last generations. Monuments matter economically, culturally, recreationally, ecologically, and to strip them of their
protections for energy development would be short sighted and to the detriment of businesses across the West.”
About The Conservation Alliance
The Conservation Alliance is the leading business coalition for conservation. Uniting companies across industries, perspectives, and geographies, we harness the collective power of our members to protect lands and waters for future generations. Our dual top-down and bottom-up approach pairs corporate advocacy with funding for grassroots action on the ground. Investing in The Conservation Alliance is not only an investment in protecting the resources outdoor businesses depend on—it’s a way to strengthen the outdoor economy and ensure long-term business resilience. Since its founding in 1989, TCA and its members have helped protect over 125 million acres of and nearly 5,000 river miles by advocating for common-sense policies and granting $34.9 million to local groups to improve and protect critical landscapes across the country. With natural places facing a barrage of threats, they welcome all brands that value North American landscapes to join them in leveraging the power of business to drive conservation. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit conservationalliance.com.
Media Contact:
Lilly Zoller
248-302-1553
lilly@conservationalliance.com
