The vast economic benefits of State Parks are shown
The new report attached shows that “state parks contribute roughly one-third of all nature recreation in the United States, measured in hours of nature recreation per capita.”
The author estimates that value nationally at $14 billion. Add that to the $22 billion national economic impact estimates (MGM models) and we’re looking at $36 billion. The author also points out that “ nature recreation represents only a partial assessment of the full range of ecosystem services produced by natural areas. Examples of other potentially relevant ecosystem services include carbon sequestration and storage through biological processes, contributions to surface and groundwater services, and benefits from preserving endangered and threatened species.”
Joe Elton, State Parks Director in Virginia and former President of the National Association of State Park Directors speculated, ” One could easily imagine that considering these factors, the full economic impact of America’s state parks could be nearer $50 billion – or 22 times the annual operational investment of $2.2 billion, which includes only $773 million in General Funds. ”
This data continues to show the vast value of outdoor recreational resources supported by state and federal investments, including the State Assistance program of the LWCF.
