D.M. Johnson Richard L. Johnson R.G. Taylor J.R. McKean 2005 <p><span>Central Idaho has superior environmental amenities, as evidenced by exceptionally high-value tourism, such as guided whitewater rafting. The focus of our study concerns the attainment of high-quality jobs in a high-quality natural environment. We estimate cumulative wage rate effects unique to nonconsumptive river recreation in central Idaho for comparison with other sectors. The cumulative effects are based on a detailed survey of recreation spending and a modified synthesized input–output model. Cumulative wage rate effects support using the abundance of environmental amenities to expand and attract high-wage, environmentally sensitive firms, as opposed to expanded tourism to improve employment quality.</span></p> application/pdf 10.1080/08941920591005304 en Taylor & Francis Can superior natural amenities create high-quality employment opportunities? The case of nonconsumptive river recreation in central Idaho article