Lassen Volcanic National Park Provides Economic Benefits

Date: December 21, 2006
Contact: Mary G. Martin, 530-595-4444 x5101

Lassen Volcanic National Park Provides Economic Benefits

A new economic analysis released earlier this month by the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) shows that national parks and other units within the U.S. National Park System generate at least four dollars for state and local economies in return for every one tax dollar invested in each of the national park’s annual budget. “From this analysis, Lassen Volcanic National Park generated at least $15,536,000 in 2005 which benefited state and local economies,” stated Park Superintendent Mary G. Martin. This analysis titled, “The U.S. National Park System- An Economic Asset at Risk” examines the cost- benefit analysis, economic impacts, economic growth of national parks, and presents twelve case studies. The full report can be found at www.npca.org/park_assets.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, like other national park units, plays a role in attracting and sustaining local businesses and communities in areas near the park. The intrinsic values of national parks also attract small businesses and new residents to their region, resulting in economic growth rates that on average are one percent per year greater than statewide rates of the past three decades.

Another study done by the National Park Service (NPS) Social Science Program in 2005 created the Money Generation Model that estimates the contribution of visitor and park payroll spending to gateway economics within a 50-mile radius of national parks. This model helps reveal the estimated dollars that enter gateway regions as a direct result of a park’s presence and operation. In this study, Lassen Volcanic National Park with its 366,398 recreational visits during 2005 supported an estimated 362 jobs (Part- and fulltime jobs including NPS jobs) that generated $11,523,000 of local personal income and brought in $16,436,000 of spending by visitors from outside local areas on lodging, food, transportation, souvenirs, etc. in the areas around the park.

"Many times when folks think of the benefits of a national park in a particular region the opportunities for recreation, and the natural, cultural and scenic values seem to surface, but now we are seeing more focus on how a park is part of a community and benefits the community from an economic stand point," said Superintendent Martin. "There are opportunities to partner with other organizations and agencies to further promotevisitation to northern California. One such opportunity is the recently designated Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway – All American Road." This 500-mile scenic byway winds its way through Lassen Volcanic National Park along the magnificent volcanic regions of northern California and southern Oregon to the other anchor park, Crater Lake National Park. This byway encourages the discovery of the volcanic, biologic, and cultural history in addition to the numerous recreational opportunities at federal, state, and local parks and privately- owned facilities.

"We hope that our local communities see not only the economic benefits that Lassen Volcanic National Park brings to the region, but set aside time to come to the park for their own recreation, exploration and to connect with the natural beauty that enhances the quality of life here," stated Superintendent Martin.

For more information, please contact the park at (530) 595- 4444, Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/lavo.