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A record number of visits were made
to Alaska's national parks in 2006, driven largely by increases
at three Southeast Alaska parks served by cruise ships.
The past year recorded 2,471,970 visits, up nearly 5% from 2,359,084
in 2005. The largest increases were seen at Glacier Bay National
Park, up 53,553 to a total of 413,382; at Sitka National Historical
Park, up 39,783 to a total of 331,393; and at Klondike Gold Rush
National Historical Park in Skagway, up 14,824 to a total of 903,079.
Denali National Park, perhaps the most recognized of the state's
parks, saw its visitation rise by 12,415 to a 2006 total of 415,935.
Nationwide, the National Park Service recorded about 273 million
visits, the same as in 2005.
"We're pleased to see growing numbers of visitors experiencing
Alaska's parks," said NPS Alaska Regional Director Marcia Blaszak.
"As important as the numbers are, we are especially pleased
to be offering improved service to visitors. At Denali, for example,
2006 was the first full year of operation for the new visitor facilities
in the entrance area. And at Glacier Bay, in a partnership with
cruise ship operators, we are able to have park rangers join every
ship entering the park and talk with passengers about the history
and environment of Glacier Bay."
Park visitation in Alaska may take another jump this year, as 14
additional cruise ships will be allowed in Glacier Bay during the
summer, bringing to 153 the number of entries during the June-July-August
period.
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Author:Jane
Ahernl
Last modified on: April 18, 2003
www.nps.gov/akso
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