Features

Tourism is an industry dependent on natural and cultural resources, specifically in rural areas where traditional attractions are less common. Rural tourism often involves visitation to natural areas, such as parks, nature reserves, or public lands, as well as agricultural activities, such as farm tours or wineries. These areas have been especially vulnerable to changing weather patterns as a result of global climate change.

Over the last two decades, state parks have grappled with steady increases in operating costs and the budgetary constraints of significant cutbacks in funding from government appropriations. In response to these fiscal challenges, state park agencies and park management have been looking at ways of creating new revenue streams, including the establishment of new fees, that will help maintain the quality of services provided at parks and will ensure visitors have a positive experience thus making it more likely they will return.