Date: July 23, 2014
Contact: Ken Hires, 509-699-2080 ext. 13
Sedro Woolley, WA – July 18,2014 – A National Park Service report shows that 784,854 visitors to North Cascades National Park Service Complex in 2012 spent approximately 37.9 million in communities near the Complex. That spending supported 370 jobs in the local area.
The analysis was conducted by U.S. Geological Survey economists Catherine Cullinane, Thomas and Christopher Huber and Lynne Koontz of the National Park Service. National Park Service wide, the report shows $14.6 billion of direct spending by 274 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 237,000 jobs nationally, with 197,000 jobs found in gateway communities, and had a cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy of $26.5 billion.
“North Cascades National Park Service Complex is a vital part of our local economy that contributes to our way of life in many other ways as well. Wonderful scenery, habitat for wildlife, crystal clear water from glaciers, snow, and rain, and wild space for recreation can all be experienced in this ruggedly beautiful place,” said Superintendent Karen Taylor Goodrich.
According to the 2013 report, most visitor spending is for lodging (30.3%) followed by food and beverages (27.3%gas and oil (12.1%) admission and fees (10.3%), and souvenirs and other expenses (10%). To download the report visit https://www.nature.nps.gov/socialscience/economics.cfm
The report includes information for visitor spending at individual parks and by state. To learn more about national parks in Washington State and how the National Park Service works with local communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to www.nps.gov/wa.
About the National Park Service. National Park Service employees care for America's 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities.
