Case Study: National Park Service estimates national economic contribution with IMPLAN

How the National Park Service Used Economic Modeling to Estimate Its Contribution to the National GDP

The National Park Service sought to quantify its economic contribution to the nation's GDP, a challenge mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act. Its need was to move beyond raw visitor survey data to understand the direct, indirect, and cumulative economic impacts of park visitation to help justify funding and inform policy. To solve this, they partnered with the economic modeling firm IMPLAN.

Using IMPLAN's economic input-output modeling application and data, the NPS developed a repeatable methodology to analyze visitor spending. This IMPLAN-powered solution allowed them to calculate the economic impact at local, state, regional, and national levels. The results proved the parks generated significant revenue for gateway communities. This was powerfully demonstrated during a 2013 government shutdown, where it was estimated that every dollar states spent to reopen parks generated $10 in visitor spending, conclusively showcasing their immense economic value.

National Park Service