News for National Parks after Labor Day

Date: September 4, 2024, 1:05 PM GMT

Executive summary: The news surrounding National Parks this week is dominated by visitor spending, accessibility concerns, and the debate over e-bikes. The National Park Service (NPS) has released reports showcasing the significant economic impact of national parks, highlighting their contribution to local communities. However, accessibility remains a challenge for many, with only 39% of Americans viewing national parks as accessible. The debate over e-bikes continues, with some arguing they are a threat to the wild serenity of national parks, while others see them as a more eco-friendly way to explore.

Visitor Spending and Economic Impact

National Parks Contributed Record High $55.6 Billion, 415K Jobs in 2023

A new report by the Department of the Interior’s National Park Service reveals that visitor spending in communities near national parks in 2023 resulted in a record-breaking $55.6 billion boost to the national economy. The report also highlights the creation of 415,000 jobs directly and indirectly related to national park visitation.

The Avery Journal-Times (9 hours ago)

Tourism at three parks in southern West Virginia contributes millions to local economy

The National Park Service reports that in 2023, 1,900,000 visitors spent $96.5 million in communities near the three national parks in southern West Virginia. This includes New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Gauley River National Recreation Area, and Bluestone National Scenic River.

WVNS (17 hours ago)

‘Report: Visitors spent $716M in Montana communities near national parks’

Montana ranks among the top 15 states benefiting from national park tourism in terms of visitor spending, jobs, labor income, value added to the state, and economic output.

Daily Inter Lake (1 day ago)

Tourism at the three national parks in southern West Virginia contributed 96.5 million to local economy

The National Park Service reports that in 2023, 1,900,000 visitors spent $96.5 million in communities near the three national parks in southern West Virginia.

National Park Service (.gov) (14 hours ago)

Tourism to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park contributes $150 million to local economy

A new National Park Service report shows that 1.2 million park visitors to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in 2023 spent $150 million in communities near the park.

National Park Service (.gov) (18 hours ago)

Accessibility Concerns

Only 39% of Americans view national parks as accessible options. There’s a simple fix.

A recent survey revealed that only 39% of Americans believe national parks are accessible to people with disabilities. The article explores how technology can help improve accessibility information and make national parks more inclusive for all visitors.

USA Today (18 hours ago)

E-Bike Debate

Trailblazing Or Troublemaking? E-Bikes In National Parks

This article explores the controversy surrounding e-bikes in national parks. Some argue that e-bikes are a threat to the wild serenity of national parks, while others see them as a more eco-friendly way to explore.

The Weather Channel (18 hours ago)

Other News

Texas hiker says Grand Canyon flash flood rescue was ‘craziest day’

A Texas woman recounts her harrowing experience being caught in a flash flood at Grand Canyon National Park.

Fox News (1 day ago)

Florida state parks whistleblower fired after exposing Ron DeSantis’s plans

James Gaddis, a Florida state parks employee, was fired after exposing plans by Governor Ron DeSantis to build hotels and golf courses on protected park land.

The Guardian (19 hours ago)

The storied legacy of a Yellowstone conservation organization is threatened

This article discusses the potential threat to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation organization dedicated to protecting the Yellowstone region.

Daily Montanan (1 day ago)

Grand Canyon National Park to Reopen South Rim Hotels September 5

Hotels on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park are set to reopen on September 5 after repairs to the aged waterline that supplies water to the area.

National Parks Traveler (18 hours ago)

‘PSA: Please Don’t Touch The Hot Springs At Yellowstone’

A recent incident at Yellowstone National Park serves as a reminder to respect nature and avoid touching hot springs, which can be incredibly dangerous.

IFLScience (17 hours ago)

Wyoming Must Step Up to Curb Haze Pollution, EPA Says

The EPA has proposed a partial disapproval of Wyoming’s haze plan, citing concerns about air pollution affecting parks like Grand Teton and Yellowstone.

National Parks Conservation Association (14 hours ago)

J. Tracy Stakely Named Superintendent of Shenandoah National Park, Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park

J. Tracy Stakely has been selected as the next superintendent of Shenandoah National Park, Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park.

National Park Service (.gov) (18 hours ago)

New superintendent named for Shenandoah National Park, other Valley locales

J. Tracy Stakely was appointed as the superintendent of Shenandoah National Park, Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park.

WHSV (15 hours ago)

Plein Air Competition Coming To Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Nearly two dozen established artists will be in Great Smoky Mountains National Park later this month to demonstrate their skills during the annual Plein Air competition.

National Parks Traveler (5 hours ago)

Haleakalā National Park commemorates Wilderness Month and the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act

Haleakalā National Park is celebrating National Wilderness Month in September and commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act.

Maui Now (11 hours ago)

Old Faithful Tourists Encounter Grizzly Bears Family @ Yellowstone National Park

Tourists at Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park had a rare encounter with a grizzly bear family.

Unofficial Networks (11 hours ago)

Rome’s Fort Stanwix attracts 84,300, generates over $5.3M in community revenue

A new National Park Service report shows that 83,400 visitors to Fort Stanwix National Monument in 2023 spent $5.3 million in communities near the park.

Utica Observer Dispatch (4 hours ago)