AbstractThe sites in our nation's nuclear weapons complex contain over 4,000 square miles of largely undeveloped, scenic, wildlife‐rich, and ecologically unique lands. In light of recent directives and programs within the Department of Energy (DOE) aimed toward multiple uses of sites and leasing or sale of excess lands, it is time to assess low‐impact, low‐risk, and cost‐effective ways to utilize more of the environmental, ecological, and aesthetic values of these sites. This article examines wildlife‐related outdoor recreation as an economic development option on and around DOE sites. We use an economic impact simulation model for the two‐state region around the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina to illustrate the economic benefits. The objective was to demonstrate the outcome of plausible alternatives. The article demonstrates that even a moderate investment in expanded recreation could add up to several hundred new jobs almost immediately and even more jobs 15 years into the future. To the extent that sportsmen and tourists travelporn areas outside the two states, the benefits to the entire two‐state region are increased. We also found that as an efzcient form of economic investment, recreation holds up well against other