News Release

National Park Brings Millions in Economic Benefits

Date: June 19, 2019
Contact: Corinne Fenner, 904-477-6606

A National Park Service (NPS) study found that in 2018, 1.1 million park visitors spent an estimated $67.0 million in local gateway regions while visiting Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. These expenditures supported a total of 1,020 jobs, $31.5 million in labor income, $54.3 million in value added, and $93.9 million in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding the preserve.

Park Superintendent Chris Hughes said “National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy – returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service - and it's a big factor in our local economy as well.”

One of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast, Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve also contains 6,000 years of human history. The unique designation as an Ecological and Historic Preserve means the preserve offers an amazing diversity of visitor experiences, including fishing, birding, hiking, kayaking and learning about the natural and cultural history of the area.

To download the report visit https://www.nature.nps.gov/socialscience/economics.cfm. The report includes information for visitor spending at individual park units and by state. To learn more about national parks in Florida and how the NPS works with Florida communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to www.nps.gov/Florida

For more information, please call 904-641-7155.