Interest in amenity focused development strategies has exploded in recent decades as policy-makers and community leaders realize that most natural resource based and manufacturing jobs are no longer major engines of job and economic growth. Instead, they realize that a high quality natural and built environment boosts the quality of life of regions and attracts footloose industries, thus becoming a major factor for regional economic growth. This book provides an analysis of the role of natural resource and recreational amenities in regional economic growth, which is measured by population,...