Andy Geissler: Strong economy built on timber industry

The authors assert that 'the economic value of tourism associated with an expanded monument would vastly exceed the value of timber that could be extracted.'

I believe the flaw in this approach is that it assumes that whichever commodity generates the most economic value is inherently the 'best' or most useful commodity.

As a citizen of Oregon and as a consumer, I typically place the highest value on those commodities that I need the most. For example, when I go to the grocery store I purchase items such as milk and bread before I buy a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer. If I have extra money, I'll indulge in the wine - but really, it's a luxury item of sorts. I think this analogy can be applied to the commodities that the authors of the guest viewpoint allude to - namely tourism, recreation and timber. Read more.