National parks have a positive impact on the nation’s economy. The National Park Service is celebrating its centennial year and reports the parks contribute $300-billion to the national economy and support nearly 2 million jobs.
Sally Jewell is the Secretary of the Interior. She says in her department’s annual economic report, public lands and waters also support state and local economies and create improved quality of life.
“The take away message from this report, one that I hope Congress will take note of, is that our public lands and waters are indispensable economic engines and outstanding investments for the American taxpayer," says Jewell.
Jewell looks toward the National Park Service’s next 100 years and wants Congress to be bold in actively combatting climate change and its impact on national parks.