The region around Mount Shasta has been historically shaped by its abundant natural resources, which have contributed to the development of various industries.
A Titanic Timber Industry Takes Hold
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the timber industry played a vital role in the local economy, with the surrounding forests providing valuable timber resources for construction, paper production, and other industries. Logging operations were established, and the town of Weed, in particular, developed as a hub for the timber trade.
Today, these operations are a fraction of their heyday, due to environmental regulatory restrictions and changing market conditions, yet the vast forests that fueled the local timber industry continue to lace the landscape, providing a renewed resource for future generations.
As a side note, many individuals and small operators can profit by harvesting dry firewood for the countless families that rely on this ancient fuel source for their cooking, heating, and survival needs.
Agriculture Continues Today
Agriculture has been another important industry in the Mount Shasta area. The fertile valleys surrounding the mountain have been used for farming, producing crops such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. Ranching and livestock farming have also been prevalent in the region.
Today, widespread cannabis cultivation is providing a fast-growing stimulus to the local economy, with the traditional small-scale “Hippie” farms being supplanted by large-scale commercial grows, many of which are run by a vibrant community of Hmong immigrants.
(Canna) Tourism and Recreation
With its breathtaking landscapes, Mount Shasta has become a popular tourist destination. Outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, fishing, and camping draw countless visitors year-round. The tourism industry has grown here, with local businesses catering to tourists’ needs, including accommodations, restaurants, and adventure outfitters.
So-called “canna tourism” has also taken hold, as visitors from areas still under a pot prohibition come to the area for easy access to medical and recreational cannabis.
Renewable Energy Dilemmas
In recent years, there has been interest in harnessing renewable energy sources in the region, with the proximity to vast amounts of hydroelectric power generated from the abundant mountain streams and rivers leading to discussions about sustainable energy solutions and their environmental impact.
Complicating the discussion is the indigenous effort to remove the existing dams and hydroelectric power plants in the watershed due to their concerns over preserving traditional salmon fishing runs — an expensive move that would eliminate this reliable option for clean energy production while reopening the region to the potentially devastating ravages of seasonal droughts and flooding.
Likewise, the abundant airflow harnessed by a growing number of hilltop wind farms may seem an ideal option for renewable energy production; but the reported negative impact on avian species such as bald eagles and other protected raptors that are knocked out of the sky by the windmills’ spinning blades are a cause for concern — as are the flocks of migratory birds reportedly incinerated by the concentrated rays of the sun used by some commercial solar power producers within the state as they seek a safe and effective way to harness the region’s abundant sunlight.
Although commercially generating electrical energy around Mount Shasta has proven controversial, embracing spiritual energy has become a more accepted and widespread endeavor.
Building A Cultural and Spiritual Economy
The spiritual and New Age movements that have centered around Mount Shasta have also contributed to the local economy. Workshops, retreats, events, and travel related to spiritual growth, meditation, and holistic healing attract participants and generate revenue for the area.
Likewise, Mount Shasta’s awe-inspiring beauty attracts and inspires a wide range of visual artists — including writers, painters, photographers, and more, who set their sights on this incredible landscape.
In conclusion, Mount Shasta’s cultural history is deeply intertwined with the indigenous tribes that revered the mountain, as well as the arrival of European settlers and the subsequent rise of tourism and spiritual movements. The area’s resources have supported industries including timber, agriculture, tourism, and even renewable energy. Today, the Mount Shasta area continues to be a place of cultural significance and economic activity, drawing many people from diverse backgrounds to its awe-inspiring landscapes and spiritual allure.