ABQjournal: Study: Wilderness Protection Good for Economy By Tania Soussan, Of the Journal

DOWN TO EARTH: Permanently protecting the Organ Mountains and other special lands in Doña Ana County is likely to give the region an economic boost, according to a new study from the Tucson-based nonprofit Sonoran Institute.
Environmentalists, local elected leaders and Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., have been touting the benefits of designating thousands of acres of wilderness.
The institute’s study found Western counties that are similar to Doña Ana and have wilderness outperform those that don’t in employment and wages.
In addition, entrepreneurs who create high-wage jobs tend to pick areas with a high quality of life, including protected lands and outdoor recreation, the study says.