Fact Check: National parks contributed $56 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023.

Fact Check: "National parks contributed $56 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023."

What We Know

The claim that national parks contributed $56 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023 is closely related to a report released by the National Park Service (NPS). According to the NPS, visitor spending in communities near national parks resulted in a record high of $55.6 billion in economic output for the U.S. economy in 2023, supporting approximately 415,400 jobs (NPS News Release). The report indicates that 325.5 million visitors spent around $26.4 billion in local communities, which directly contributed to this economic output (Visitor Spending Effects).

The breakdown of the economic contributions shows that the lodging sector contributed the most, with $9.9 billion in economic output, followed by restaurants, which contributed $5.2 billion (NPS News Release). This data reflects a significant impact on local economies, emphasizing the importance of national parks not only as recreational spaces but also as economic drivers.

Analysis

The claim is accurate in that the reported figure is $55.6 billion, which is very close to the $56 billion stated in the claim. The slight difference can be attributed to rounding or the specific phrasing of the claim. The source of this information is a credible report from the National Park Service, which is a government agency responsible for managing national parks and conducting related research. The report is peer-reviewed and based on improved socioeconomic survey data, enhancing the accuracy of spending estimates (Visitor Spending Effects).

While the NPS is a reliable source, it is important to note that the report may carry a positive bias, as it is produced by an agency that advocates for national parks and their funding. However, the methodology used in the report is robust, and the economic impact figures are widely accepted in discussions about the benefits of national parks (NPS News Release).

In summary, the evidence supports the claim that national parks significantly contribute to the U.S. economy, with the reported figure being very close to the claim made.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that national parks contributed $56 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023 is essentially accurate, as the National Park Service reported a contribution of $55.6 billion. This figure reflects the substantial economic impact of national parks through visitor spending and job support in local communities.