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COVID-19 Pandemic Causes Impacts and Opportunities for U.S. National Parks

April 12, 2021 · Source: National Park Service

Hikers wearing masks confer over a map
Image supplied by the National Park Service. View the original image and credit

National Park Service staff studying effects of the Coronavirus pandemic found wide variations in park visitation, fewer park programs, gaps in long-term monitoring of natural and cultural resources, and lost park-related employment across the U.S. in 2020. Findings in the paper show that in the early stages of the pandemic in April 2020, visitation to U.S. national parks declined by about 87 percent. In some parks visitation rebounded quickly as the summer progressed, while in others it remained low. Other parks, particularly those near urban areas, experienced increased numbers of visitors as people sought safe areas for recreation and exercise.

Read the official NPS source

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Traveler guidance by State & Nation Staff Writer.

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