Study: Park's wolves worth millions to Montana, Wyoming, Idaho

PRAY, Mont. A University of Montana economist says people who visit Yellowstone National Park, to catch a glimpse of its wolves, bring 35 (m) million dollars a year to Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.

Economist John Duffield says those dollars are "direct impact" money spent on motels, dining and other travel expenses. Duffield led a study showing those visitor dollars turn over in local communities, pushing the regional economic impact to around 70 (m) million dollars a year. He says wolves are a "public good" and a national asset.

Duffield presented his findings during the 18th annual North American Wolf Conference at Montana's Chico Hot Springs Resort. The three-day conference wrapped up yesterday.

KBZK-TV