DOI Releases Economic Impact Report

June 17, 2016 – Today the Department of the Interior released a report that showed that our National Parks, Fish & Wildlife Refuges, and other lands they manage are more than just good fun – they’re good business. The report highlights that in 2015, with about 443 million visits to these places, recreation alone supported $45 billion in economic output and 396,000 jobs. However, when looking at the total economic impact of the Interior Department’s activities including tourism, water management, energy and mineral management, and more, the total impact jumps to $300 billion in economic output.

Driving home the fact that public lands are an economic engine for America,
Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell, stated that, “Our parks and other public lands support outdoor recreation, promote renewable energy and allow us to harness other domestic energy resources, create jobs and promote economic development in communities across the nation.”

Of course, here at American Hiking Society we know these lands are beyond any simple dollar value but it’s nice to know the “business side” of these priceless places we love to hike. You can read more here.