Refuge Brings Boost To South Arkansas

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge in south Arkansas generated $19.6 million in economic benefit for the counties of Ashley, Bradley, Drew and Union in 2011, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The revenue came from visitor spending tied to recreation activities on the refuge.

Felsenthal refuge returned nearly $39.3 million in total economic benefit, which is the total recreational expenditures plus net economic value. Economic value is the difference between the total value received from participating in a recreational activity and the total amount paid to participate in the activity.

The figures come from a Fish and Wildlife study, which used 92 of the more than 550 national wildlife refuges for its economic sampling.

Wildlife refuges pumped $2.4 billion into the national economy and supported more than 35,000 private-sector jobs in fiscal year 2011.

Refuges contributed an average $4.87 in total economicoutput for every $1 appropriated and produced nearly $793 million in job income for local communities. The refuges are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by Fish and Wildlife.

“Our National Wildlife Refuge System is the world’s greatest network of lands dedicated to wildlife conservation but is also an important contributor to our economy, attracting more than 46 million visitors from around the world who support local restaurants, hotels, and other businesses,” said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. “Every dollar we invest in our refuge system and other public lands generates huge dividends for our country.”

Felsenthal refuge offers hunting, fishing, hiking and watching wildlife.

Researchers examined visitor spending in various areas, including food, lodging, transportation and other expenses such as guide fees, land-use fees and equipment rental. Local economies were defined as those within 50 miles of each of the 92 refuges studied.

Outdoor, Pages 7 on 11/21/2013