Economic Impact of Visitor Spending in California's National Parks
With the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, America's national parks have protected our most fragile natural and cultural landscapes and provided opportunities for adventure, inspiration, relaxation, and education. The national parks have also served as tremendous economic engines, supporting businesses and jobs in neighboring communities that have come to depend upon the viability of the parks. In 2001, the 280 million people who visited the 388 sites within the National Park System spent $10.6 billion during their park visits. This spending generated $4.5 billion in wages, salaries, and payroll benefits, (including payroll benefits) and 267,000 jobs in tourism-related businesses.California boasts 23 national park sites that protect millions of acres of significant cultural, historical, and natural landscapes-and welcomes millions of visitors annually.This report, published by NPCA in Novembers 2003, examines the economic impact of visitor spending in 10 national park sites in California: Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Pinnacles National Monument, Point Reyes National Seashore, Redwood National Park, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, and Yosemite National Park. These parks were chosen for analysis because of their geographic diversity within the state and economic relevance.
"This report confirms what we have long known intuitively, that California's national parks are not merely natural wonders, but are integral to our quality of life and state economy. By taking good care of these special places and providing park visitors with a quality experience, we sustain jobs and support our tourism economy while also protecting our natural and cultural heritage. It's a win-win situation."
- U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein
Visitors to these ten California parks in 2001 spent a total of $643 million in the surrounding communities, supporting nearly 16,900 non-National Park Service jobs and generating more than $266 million worth of wages, salaries, and payroll benefits. This significant financial influence cannot be dismissed and reinforces the need to adequately protect the national parks, both to preserve these naturally significant places for generations to come and to maintain their important role in our state and national economies.Visitors to California's 23 national park sites benefits the state economy in several ways:
- $1.18 billion in total spending
- 30,000 jobs generated
- $514 million in personal income generated
"California's national parks are both environmental and economic treasures. They not only provide respite from our busy lives, they also make important contributions to our economy."
- U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer
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