National Parks Report 320 Million Annual Visitors Amid Policy Changes

Why it matters locally: Tennessee is home to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States, and other national park sites like Shiloh National Military Park and Obed Wild and Scenic River, which contribute significantly to the state's tourism and recreation economy.

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National parks within the United States recorded over 320 million visitors in the past year. Tiernan Sittenfeld, president and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association, discussed the current conditions of these parklands. Sittenfeld noted policy changes directing revisions to park exhibits. She also identified construction projects initiated by former President Trump that have commenced within park boundaries.