![]() “The resources that are invested in maintaining the park system (and we’d like to see more) are returned many times over through enormous recreational, wildlife, educational and economic benefits.” “This study puts real data behind something we’ve known for many years – the state parks are both a bargain and a job creator for Connecticut,” said Eric Hammerling, executive director, Connecticut Forest and Parks Association, at the time of the study’s release. The private sector jobs result in $343 million in personal income, which is estimated to grow to $595 million by 2020. Also, nearly 9,000 private sector jobs statewide result from the support of those outdoor pursuits. The study also showed that for every dollar the state spends on the state park system, it receives an estimated $38 in economic activity. ![]() The $1 billion represents the amount spent by state residents and visitors on a variety of outdoor activities including camping, boating, fishing and hunting. An extensive analysis conducted by UConn’s Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis (CCEA) in 2010 showed that outdoor activities on state lands have an economic impact of more than $1 billion a year. The Nutmeg State also has 65 state parks, 27 state forests, 10 state wildlife areas and 1 state fish hatchery, which bring in about $1 billion annually. economy was $29.7 billion.Īccording to the 2014 report, most park visitor spending was for lodging (30.6 percent) followed by food and beverages (20.3 percent), gas and oil (11.9 percent), admissions and fees (10.2 percent) and souvenirs (9.9 percent). This spending supported 277,000 jobs nationally 235,600 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. Nationwide, the report shows $15.7 billion of direct spending by 292.8 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This new report shows that national park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy – returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service – and a big factor in our state’s economy as well, a result we can all support.” “Whether they are out for an afternoon, a school field trip, or a family vacation, visitors come to have a great experience, and end up spending a little money along the way. “Weir Farm National Historic Site in Connecticut attracts visitors from across the country,” said Northeast Regional Director Mike Caldwell. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |