The US National Park System: An economic asset at risk
Hardner J and McKenney B. 2006. The US National Park System: An economic asset at risk. Hardner & Gullison Associates, LLC
From introduction: "The U.S. National Park System is an economic asset at risk. The park system generates at least four dollars in value to the public for every tax dollar invested in its annual budget. Yet, every year the parks suffer an operating shortfall of $800 million, in addition to a massive multi-billion dollar maintenance backlog. As a result, the fiscal crisis confronting the national parks continues to deepen and important park functions go without, park infrastructure decays, natural ecosystems are overrun with exotic species, historical treasures are inadequately preserved, and public safety is jeopardized. The U.S. Congress established and maintains the National Park System to conserve our nation’s most significant lands and landmarks. Yet, the U.S. Congress is jeopardizing this valuable asset by not adequately funding the National Park Service. Although the full value of the park system evades quantification, this report presents hard economic evidence that national parks generate tremendous value to the public. National parks generate more than four dollars in value to the public for every tax dollar invested. National parks support $13.3 billion of local private-sector economic activity and 267,000 private-sector jobs.National parks attract businesses and individuals to the local area, resulting in economic growth in areas near parks that is an average of 1 percent per year greater than statewide rates over the past three decades.The benefits of national parks are many and extend well beyond economic values."