Economics of Wilderness: Contribution of Alaska Parks and Wilderness to the Alaska Economy

Abstract

"What is the economic contribution of wilderness and wilderness-protected ecosystems to Alaska’s economy? Tourism by nonresidents is the primary link that we consider between wilderness and the Alaska economy, although subsistence harvests and resident recreation clearly generate value for Alaskans. Here, we synthesize and apply existing data and research. We do not consider global ecosystem services provided by Alaska park lands and waters, nor do we assess activity that is not captured within the Alaska economy."