A descriptive analysis of change in eligibility status for the USDA Forest Service Economic Recovery Program

Abstract

This report summarizes the results of a 2004 analysis of county-level eligibility for financial and technical assistance through the USDA Forest Service Economic Recovery program and contrasts those results to the initial eligibility analysis performed in 1993. County-level eligibility was based on three criteria: (1) proximity to a National Forest or National Grassland, (2) population, and (3) economic dependency on forest resources. Holding methodology constant, there was a net loss in eligibility of 60 counties, with 413 counties remaining eligible, 237 losing eligibility, and 177 gaining eligibility. On average, dependency on wildland industries decreased regardless of wildland industry sector or eligibility status. Counties that remained eligible were initially more dependent on wildland industries than counties that lost or gained eligibility. Most of the counties gaining eligibility did so because of the change in the population criteria rather than because of changes in dependency. Counties losing eligibility were, on average, larger in population, more economically diverse, smaller in land area, and had a smaller percentage of NFS lands in 1990 than counties that maintained eligibility. They also experienced, in percentage terms, more growth in population, per capita income, and median family income over the 10-year period from 1990 to 2000.

Citation

Gebert, Krista M.; Odell, Susan L. 2007. A descriptive analysis of change in eligibility status for the USDA Forest Service Economic Recovery Program. Res. Pap. RMRS-RP-62. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 32 p.