Raising livestock and the feed for them has long been Bicknell's oldest and most important industry, and the search for grazing land led to the settlement of the area. Beef cattle brought the greatest income, while dairy cows, sheep, fish, pork, turkeys, and chickens also supported the local economy, and since Bicknell's founding more than 115 families have lived by farming and ranching. The creation of the National Forests at the beginning of the 20th Century reduced grazing on nearby public lands, and from about 1930 the lumber industry became another important source of income. The surrounding Boulder, Thousand Lake, and Fish Lake Mountains were logged at higher elevations than anywhere else in the U.S., many current mountain roads were built by local loggers and sawmill owners, and at least six sawmills operated in Bicknell, though government regulations and environmental concerns later greatly reduced timber work. Tourism expanded after Highway 24 through Capitol Reef National Park and Scenic Byway 12 over Boulder Mountain were completed, bringing livelihoods through motels, restaurants, service stations, construction, other businesses, and short-term rentals, while the area's long-standing reputation for hunting and fishing also drew visitors. Nearby mining of uranium, coal, and other minerals and metals once offered work, but restrictive government and environmental laws nearly eliminated local mining opportunities. Bicknell also became home to the J. Perry Egan Fish Hatchery and the Wayne Wonderland Airport, and it has long served as Wayne County's education and medical center with schools and the Wayne Community Health Clinic. Other residents found work in government positions, construction companies in Bicknell and nearby Loa, and more recently through online employment made possible by fiber optic connectivity. Across these changing livelihoods, Bicknell's short growing season and difficult, isolated environment fostered hard work, integrity, service to others, and loyalty and helpfulness to friends, neighbors, associates, family, God, and country.