Last week the National Park Service released the 2016 statistics on the economic impact of the national parks. More than 331 million people visited a national park unit during the Centennial. Together, these visitors pump billions of dollars into the United States economy. Hundreds of gateway communities thrive on this tourism and recreation spending.
With growing concerns over the protection of our national parks, it is more important now than ever to make the case for these special places. It is hard to argue with a $34.9 billion contribution to the United States economy. Plus, the loss of any of the more than 318,000 jobs would certainly be felt if the park service is put at risk.
Today we’re encouraging you to share the infographic below to help protect our parks. Contact members of Congress and share these statistics with them. Post it on social media to share the powerful economic impact of the national parks. Email it to friends and family to spread the word.
Together we can help make the case for preserving the 417 units of the National Park Service.
Data collected from:
Cullinane Thomas, C., and L. Koontz. 2017. 2016 national park visitor spending effects: Economic contributions to local communities, states, and the nation. Natural Resource Report NPS/NRSS/EQD/NRR—2017/1421. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.
