From the Montrose Daily Press:
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area attracted nearly 1.1 million visitors between them in 2011 while generating an economic impact of almost $50 million, according to a report released Thursday by the National Park Service.
The report also claims a total of 621 local jobs were supported by the two entities in 2011, the most recent year for which statistics were available. Black Canyon supported 111 of those jobs, while the other 510 were attributed to Curecanti.
“Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a wonderful place to learn about America’s story,” park superintendent Connie Rudd stated in a press release. “And Curecanti National Recreation Area offers outstanding waters and a healthy fishery. We attract visitors from across the U.S. and around the world that come here to experience these places and then spend time and money enjoying the services provided by our neighboring communities and getting to know this amazing part of the country. The National Park Service is proud to have been entrusted with the care of America’s most treasured places and delighted that the visitors we welcome generate significant contributions to the local, state and national economy.”
More Gunnison River Basin coverage here.