For Immediate Release: Monday, November 16, 2015
Outside Las Vegas Releases Study that Shows Permanently Protecting Gold Butte is Good for Nevada’s Economy
Rep. Dina Titus, Jeremy Aguero of Applied Analysis and others discussed research conducted about the economic benefits of protecting the land at Gold Butte
LAS VEGAS – On Monday, Jeremy Aguero, Principal and Founder of Applied Analysis, presented a study concluding Gold Butte, Nevada’s piece of the Grand Canyon, is an economic boon to Nevada. The research was conducted for Outside Las Vegas Foundation, whose mission is to connect people to Southern Nevada’s special outdoor places. The release of this study coincides with Governor Brian Sandoval’s Global Tourism Summit on November 16th and 17th, 2015. Recreational tourism is an expanding market in Southern Nevada and by permanently protecting Gold Butte we will be growing our economic opportunities.
“We take great pride in the data we put together for our partners and we were pleased to work with Outside Las Vegas on this study. The findings in our report are clear: there are economic benefits to protecting public lands. As a company, we are committed on many levels to see Southern Nevada’s economy grow and diversify and this study now becomes part of the tools we can look to when we think of the overall economic picture here,” said Aguero.
Applied Analysis’ research shows the economic benefits to Southern Nevada when an area like Gold Butte (located 75 mile northeast of Las Vegas) is permanently protected. The memo and full study are attached. Key points of the research found that:
- Visitation to the Gold Butte area is likely to increase as a result of the designation. The analysis found that Gold Butte’s proximity to nearby cities, including both Mesquite and Las Vegas, as well as various other nearby national parks, monuments, and recreation areas provide a reasonable expectation that designation and preservation of the area would draw an additional 35,000 visitor trips per year.
- If just 10 percent of these new visitors to Gold Butte decided to spend the night in Mesquite, the total economic impact for the community would be $2.7 million per year, creating 28 full-time jobs throughout the community.
- There are also unquantifiable economic benefits including an increase in the quality of life for local residents.
Congresswoman Titus spoke not just about the quantifiable data but the qualitative aspects important to permanently protecting the Gold Butte area.
“Gold Butte is Nevada’s piece of the Grand Canyon. Protecting it isn’t just about conservation; it is about unleashing the economic potential all around Southern Nevada,” said Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s First Congressional District “Today Gold Butte attracts thousands to see the natural and cultural wonders this special place offers. I am proud to sponsor legislation that would permanently protect this unique environment and ensure more visitors and future generations can share this experience,” said Congresswoman Dina Titus.
Speakers on the call gave examples of the broad support that exists for protecting our public lands in Nevada. They spoke about the fact that Nevadans want to see places like Gold Butte protected for future generations and for the good of our economy all across the state.
“The recent increased interest in outdoor recreation nationally coupled with the ease of discovery via social media means this is a perfect time for residents and visitors to discover, explore and connect with the public lands in Southern Nevada like Gold Butte,” said Stephanie Forte, founder of Forté PR, a PR agency dedicated to brands in the outdoor and fitness space. “We have a unique ecosystem with abundant recreation and cultural opportunities. It’s our responsibility to preserve our public lands and to share them with the international community.”
“I have seen Mesquite grow and decline as the state economy has had ebbs and flows. As a community we can withstand those ebbs and flows better if we take advantage of what is in our backyard. Gold Butte and the area around it is unique to our area, and given the results of this study it is clear that we could have some control over our economic destiny by permanently protecting the land, said Karl Gustavson, former City of Mesquite Council Member and long-time Mesquite resident.
It is clear from this research that permanently protecting Gold Butte would be a boon to our communities. The time to act is now.
B-Roll link to Gold Butte: http://www.friendsofgoldbutte.org/media/
To sign petition to protect Gold Butte: http://www.nevadawilderness.org/protect_gold_butte
To see link to full Study go to: http://www.outsidelasvegas.org/gold-butte-economic-analysis/
ABOUT OUTSIDE LAS VEGAS FOUNDATION:
The Outside Las Vegas Foundation (OLVF) is a collaborative, Las Vegas Valley-wide partner in creating a community that enjoys, values, and protects our unique outdoor spaces. We work across neighborhoods and jurisdictions to increase the quantity and quality of outdoor amenities; introduce and educate new publics; and inspire a fascination and respect of the outside world. Our goal is to provide the experience or opportunity that sparks your lifelong fascination of the great outdoors.
ABOUT APPLIED ANALYSIS:
Applied Analysis, under the leadership of noted and sought after analyst, Jeremy Aguero, has successfully undertaken projects of national, regional and local significance and have become a recognized leader in customizable, market-based information. Our data and analyses are routinely relied on by businesses, investors, developers, attorneys, trade organizations, legislators and the media.
Contacts:
Annette Magnus, annette@battlebornprogress.org, 702-285-0898
Maria-Teresa Liebermann, mariateresa@battlebornprogress.org, 702-235-7104
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