National Parks and the nation's bottom line

Just how much are National Parks worth? In these budget-stretched times, the nation's parks are sometimes in for a little short-shrifting when federal dollars are allocated. Is it possible there's a bit of Congressional myopia? As RVers, we know that the value of parks far transcends dollars and cents. But if the dollar is the bottom line, a study released by the National Park Service paints an interesting picture as to how much parks are worth to the economy.

Using the most recently available statistics (2010) the Service put together a report on national parks in the economy. With 281 million "recreation visits" that year, visitors spent $12.13 billion in what are called gateway regions. Those regions are areas that are roughly within 60 miles of parks. Of that amount, nearly 60% was spent for accommodations outside parks for places like motels, B & Bs, cabins, and the like.

Half of that 12 billion went to lodging and meals, nearly 20% for fuel and local transportation. Another 10% went out for amusement, 8% for groceries, and another 13% to other retail spending.

How did all that money tally up for the national economy? The Park Service report shows that 258,400 jobs were added, including $9.8 billion for labor, with an additional $16.6 billion in value added to the economy. Yes, it seems money -- like water -- seeks its own level.

Tourism means big dollars, there's no question of that. In terms of local "gateway" economies, National Parks meant another 156,280 jobs and $4.68 billion in labor income. The Service itself employed over 26,000 folks with a payroll amounting to $1,709 million. The total impact on the national economy of the Park Service payroll amounted to $2.96 billion in value added.

It would seem that paring back park budgets will do more than just make it more difficult to commune with nature. Even for those who only "see" in terms of dollars and cents, every dollar cut back from parks means a lot more dollars for the nation.

To see the complete NPS report, visit this site.

photo collage: R&T DeMaris