National Parks Report 320 Million Annual Visitors Amid Policy Changes

Why it matters locally: Arizona is home to three national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro, which collectively attract millions of visitors annually. Policy changes and construction projects within national parks could directly affect the visitor experience and conservation efforts at these significant Arizona sites.

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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.