"Priceless"

Writer Ed Quillen examines the psychology and intent behind giving every natural resource, including hatchery-raised rainbow trout, a dollar value. In the end, he suggests, maybe we are missing the most priceless asset of all: the volunteers who work to preserve the wilderness. “Add it all up, according to the study, and ‘every dollar spent on rainbow trout production rises up through the economy fueling $32.20 in retail sales and $36.88 in net economic value.’ So that rainbow on the end of the line isn’t just a magnificent creature, or even a tasty main course for a pan-fried outdoor dinner; it’s also part of an economic engine that can drive for the long haul, with the net value of $21.19 per fish.” In the Summit [Colorado] Daily News.