State Parks And Local Communities Make Good Economic Partners

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Who generates millions in local spending, appreciates the beauty and scenic views of Montana, and willingly pays for firewood and special events? These characteristics describe visitors to Montana’s State Parks, according to research conducted by the University of Montana.

The study shows State Parks visitors spent $179.5 million statewide in 2002.  

“The research helps to quantify the very positive economic relationship between Montana’s 42 State Parks and the local communities near the parks,” said Doug Monger, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Division administrator. “This is something everyone knew intuitively, but we didn’t have the numbers. Now we do.”

Nonresident visitors spent an average of $61 a day and residents spent an average of about $30 in the parks and surrounding local communities. That is money in the tills of small-town restaurants, gas stations, bars, motels and campgrounds.

“The economic impact of this spending is astounding,” Monger said.   For example, the total spending by nonresident State Park visitors generates $81 million in local economies; or the equivalent of $23.3 million in personal income to Montanans, or the equivalent of 1,170 full and part-time jobs.

            The study identified other interesting facts about Montana’s visitors too.

            For example, of the favorite activities residents and nonresident visitors named, the only two in common were wildlife watching and overnight camping.   Residents are most interested in picnicking, fishing and swimming. Nonresidents are here for the historical sites and museums, dining, overnight camping and shopping.

            When researchers asked what people liked best about Montana’s State Parks they said the beauty and scenic views, followed by the friendly and knowledgeable staff. Overall, 89 percent of park visitors were satisfied or very satisfied with the parks they visited.

            Conducted for Montana FWP by the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research, the random telephone survey was carried out the summer of 2002.