We need to invest, more money in our national parks: Not decrease traffic to them.

• Author: Stout, James

IN THE SUMMER OF 2020, national parks across the country flooded with visitors. Safe outdoor spaces provided a respite from the pandemic, and ever since, destinations from Angels Landing to Arches have seen a huge and growing number of new visitors.

Data released by the National Park Service (NPS) shows that Zion National Park, the most popular park in Utah, received more than 5 million visitors in 2021. The five national parks across the state saw 16 million. Some parks now require reservations for popular hikes, communities located near parks have seen increased traffic and congestion, and there has been a perceptible rise in tourist-related grumbling.

But the national parks weren't set aside from development for only a few of us to enjoy. They belong to everyone, and more people enjoying them is desirable. At a time when America is politically divided, enjoying the beauty and splendor of nature makes us happier, healthier, and a whole lot less angry. The question we need to ask isn't how to ration the parks--it's how the parks can better accommodate increased demand.

According to the NPS report, parks are a massive economic resource for Utah that generate more than $2 billion in economic activity. They also provide tens of thousands of jobs inside the parks and surrounding towns where guiding, service industry work, and hundreds of hotels depend on the parks for clients. Furthermore, wilderness provides an intangible benefit to the millions of people who access the national parks annually.

It's easy as a resident of a state with vast swathes of public land to dismiss the rarity and value of places that haven't been privatized and removed from their natural state. But for residents of large urban areas and states with little to no public land, those resources offer a valuable chance to disconnect from the stresses of modern life and reconnect with nature, themselves, and each other.

DISTRIBUTING CROWDS

How, then, can we ensure that an ever-growing number of people have access to nature without negatively impacting small park towns and parks? The park service has tried a few things. In 2021, Arches National Park was often at capacity by 8 a.m. and simply closed its gates. This summer, it tried a timed entry scheme. Rather than a first-come, first-served gambit that could thwart vacation plans, visitors were able to purchase a timed entry ticket in advance. These cost a little extra--$2 in addition to the usual entry fee--but at least they...