Tennessee State Parks have a substantial economic influence on the state, contributing $1.9 billion and supporting 13,587 jobs, according to a report by Impact DataSource, a prominent economic consulting firm. The analysis, based on data from fiscal year 2024, reveals that the parks have generated $550 million in household income for Tennessee families. The strong performance of the parks has also produced $111.8 million in state taxes and $22.1 million in local tax revenue. Overall, Tennessee State Parks represent $1.1 billion of the state’s gross domestic product.
Governor Bill Lee emphasized the importance of investing in conservation for the state’s future, noting that Tennessee State Parks are central to these efforts. He highlighted the role of the state’s natural beauty and resources in driving tourism and economic growth, particularly in rural regions. He invited both residents and tourists to explore Tennessee’s outdoors.
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David Salyers, the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, expressed pride in the parks’ economic impact and appreciation for the support from Governor Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly. The governor’s conservation strategy, initiated in 2023, includes establishing more parks than any previous administration. The plan aims to balance economic growth, particularly in rural areas, with the preservation of natural resources. Notably, admission to Tennessee State Parks is free.
The strategy also involves investments in park lodges and focuses on making parks more accessible by removing barriers for visitors. The analysis considers the spending by park visitors and expenditures in operations, maintenance, capital, and grants.
Impact DataSource, the firm behind the report, is based in Austin, Texas, and specializes in economic consulting, research, and analysis. Since its founding in 1993, it has conducted over 2,500 economic impact studies across various industries in Tennessee and more than 35 other states.
For more information, visit the Tennessee State Parks website here.
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Tennessee Proclaims Engineers Week in 2025
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed February 16 to 22, 2025, as Engineers Week to recognize the contributions of licensed engineers and architects in the state. The Tennessee Board of Examiners for Architects and Engineers, part of the Division of Regulatory Boards, oversees licensing standards for these professionals. The proclamation highlights the importance of these fields in supporting the state’s economic growth and ensuring public safety. For more details, visit the Board’s website.