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The National Park Service reports that visitor spending in communities near national parks in 2023 resulted in a record high $55.6 billion benefit to the nation’s economy and supported over 415,000 jobs.
Over 325.5 million people visited national parks in 2023, according to the 2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects report. Parks in California generated the most revenue out of all 50 states, at $3.2 billion. Parks in Utah generated $1.9 billion in spending, the second-most in the West.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park once again generated the most revenue of any park, at $2.2 billion. Golden Gate National Park took second place with $1.5 billion. The Grand Canyon, Zion, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone national parks all brought in over $600 million. The National Park Service provides interactive maps and tools to explore the data in the report.
“This report illustrates the significant economic benefits national parks provide to nearby communities and the U.S. economy, and the value of our work to safeguard these public lands in the wake of the climate crisis, upgrade visitor experiences and invest in park infrastructure and staff,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in a statement.
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I sympathize with a rancher that’s defending livestock from predators, absolutely... But that’s a far different issue than allowing the public to joyride on snowmobiles and torture wildlife legally on public lands, which is precisely what’s happening.”
