Carbon County is a region in transition, and nature is a competitive advantage. Just north of the Kittatinny Ridge, beyond the Lehigh Valley, lie the green hills of Carbon County. Nestled among the Appalachian Mountains, the landscape is dominated by the Mauch Chunk Ridge, Bear Mountain, Pisgah Ridge, Mount Pisgah, Nesquehoning Ridge, and Broad Mountain, and their various forested prominences and summits.

Nature is one of Carbon County’s major competitive advantages for future economic growth. Carbon County’s forested ridges and stream valleys are productive assets that generate over $800 million annually in avoided costs for natural system services and air pollution removal, revenues from outdoor recreation and local and state taxes, and increased tax revenues from real estate premiums. Its resources have historically provided essential goods and services to ensure the survival and economic prosperity of residents and the millions of people who live close by and downstream.

The biggest challenge facing Carbon County is promoting sustainable economic growth while maintaining its high quality of life, low cost of living, good health, and the unique sense of place that has been the region’s hallmark for hundreds of years. The careful protection, management, and use of its natural resources are essential to the long-term sustainability of nature and the local and regional economies.

Click the links below to see how Carbon County’s natural assets are essential to our everyday life:

ROE SUMMARY REPORT

ROE BROCHURE

ROE FACT SHEET