Montana's State Parks Adds Millions To Local Economies

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Visitors to Montana’s 42 State Parks spent nearly $180 million statewide, according to a 2002 study by the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research.   About 65 percent of that spending occurred in communities surrounding the parks, such as Billings, which is near Cooney Reservoir; Dillon, near Bannack; and Missoula, near Frenchtown Pond.  

"Our State Parks make a significant economic contribution to our local communities and enhance our quality of life, " said Doug Monger, FWP Parks Division Administrator. "This research helps us to quantify the economic role State Parks play in the statewide tourism industry."

In measuring "economic impact," researchers looked at nonresident dollars, or "new" dollars that might not otherwise come into the state.   Nonresident State Parks visitors in 2002 spent $81 million dollars in the state, creating 1,170 full-and part-time jobs in addition to the more than 200 permanent and seasonal staff employed by the Parks Division statewide.  

Nonresident State Parks visitors also generated $23.3 million in personal income for Montana residents in 2002.  

Nonresident’s largest expenditures were for: restaurant/bar, gasoline/oil, hotel/motel expenses.   Resident’s largest expenditures were: gasoline/oil, groceries/snacks, and campground/RV.

"Economic impact is only one element of the total return on our investment in State Parks. A price tag can’t really be put on the benefits our recreational, educational and cultural heritage sites bring to Montanans," Monger said.

Researchers conducted random telephone surveys of visitors at 20 of the 42 State Parks during the summer of 2002.   A total of 862 visitors, 444 Montana residents and 418 nonresidents, were interviewed for a response rate of nearly 100 percent.   Other items covered in the survey included visitor satisfaction and activities, and information on overnight visitors to fishing access sites.  

For a copy of the survey report, visit the FWP web site at www.fwp.state.mt.us under Parks, or contact:   Kirsten Shelton, Montana State Parks, 444-3818, or by email: kshelton@state.mt.us.