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Two studies commissioned by philanthropist Roxanne Quimby’s foundation suggest that a national park in northern Maine could boost tourism, jobs and personal income in the region. Specifically, the studies find that similar communities with national parks and recreation areas outpace the national average for economic development.The studies by Headwaters Economics make no specific projections for park visitors or economic growth but they do suggest that a Maine Woods National Park and/or a national park and recreation area could produce more than 1,000 jobs over time if it’s well-planned and if it encompasses about 150-thousand acres. Ben Alexander, the associate director of the Montana-based firm that conducted the research, said the job numbers are based on the experience of 16 other peer communities with national parks and recreation areas around the country where 1,000 jobs is the average number created. And he said that’s just one of the benefits.
“From an economic performance standpoint all of those regions that had parks or had parks and recreation areas closely associated or nearby grew more quickly, created more jobs and personal income and attracted more people than the growth rates in Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties or than the United States as a whole over the last 40 years,” said Alexander.
He said not only do the park communities fare better than average but their economies are more diversified and can support a variety of year-round activities. The findings also suggest that there would be little downside for the forest products industry. Dr. Charles Colgan, professor of public policy and management at the Muskie School of Public Service said the studies are well executed and show why the park idea is worthy of more thought.…