Wednesday, February 25, 2009

How they count

2008 National Park visitation statistics were released last week.

"Visitation statics for 2008 are out. Overall, there were approximately 275 million visits Servicewide, about the same as last year. Since 1916, there have been 11.7 billion visits to the National Park System.

The top ten most visited areas in the NPS last year were:

  1. Blue Ridge Parkway – 16,309,307
  2. Golden Gate National Recreation Area – 14,554,750
  3. Gateway National Recreation Area – 9,431,021
  4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – 9,044,010
  5. Lake Mead National Recreation Area – 7,601,863
  6. George Washington Memorial Parkway – 7,009,630
  7. Natchez Trace Parkway – 5,747,235
  8. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area – 5,127,074
  9. Lincoln Memorial – 4,678,861
  10. Cape Cod National Seashore – 4,644,235

The ten most visited national parks were:

  1. Great Smoky Mountains NP – 9,044,010
  2. Grand Canyon NP – 4,425,314
  3. Yosemite NP – 3,431,514
  4. Olympic NP – 3,081,451
  5. Yellowstone NP – 3,066,580
  6. Cuyahoga Valley NP – 2,828,233
  7. Rocky Mountain NP – 2,757,390
  8. Zion NP – 2,690,154
  9. Grand Teton NP – 2,485,987
  10. Acadia NP – 2,075,857"
(from http://home.nps.gov/applications/morningreport/morningreportold.cfm)

Not a lot of surprises on the list, but it got me wondering how the good folks at the park service determine these figures. After only a few keystrokes, I found this URL: http://www.nature.nps.gov/stats/index.cfm, a goldmine of NPS stats.

One could wander these pages for quite some time -- there's a ton of interesting info, including how NPS determines the number of recreation visits for each park or area. Here's the page for Point Reyes:
http://www.nature.nps.gov/stats/CountingInstructions/PORECI1994.pdf,
revealing that pneumatic tube traffic counters are placed at:
visitor center
entrance lane to Limantour Road
entrance lane to Five Brooks
entrance lane to Palomarin
entrance lane to Pierce Point Road
entrance lane to Sir Francis Drake (I'm guessing that means at the Pierce Point/SFD split)

In addition, visitation to Bolinas Ridge, Commonweal, and Tocaloma is determined by trailhead vehicle count.

The traffic count is multiplied by the persons-per-vehicle (PPV) multiplier of 2 for all the above except the visitor center, Pierce Point Road, and Sir Francis Drake, all of which get a PPV of 4. An estimatation of non-recreation visitor vehicles is then subtracted.

Similar information seems to available for all the NPS sites (I didn't check them all), with additional visitation comments such as dates a park was closed due to weather, malfunctioning pneumatic tubes, and even when counting equipment is stolen.

While I was poking through the stats I looked up the 2008 visitor counts for some of my favorite California national parks, and here's how they stacked up:
GGNRA 14,554,750
Point Reyes 2,248,203
Joshua Tree 1,392,446
Sequoia 930,011
Death Valley 871,938
Muir Woods 838,292
Kings Canyon 574,870
Redwood 396,899
Lassen 377,361

Definitely some surprises. Joshua Tree's visits are nearly double Death Valley, and Lassen, wow, that's a low figure.

Here's a photo from one of my favorite California national park campsites. Anyone know where it is?

41 comments:

Anonymous said...

Is this at Gold Bluffs Beach?

Samuelmiller said...

These statistics seem genuine. These parks will always be the ones that have a big crowd. I had a meeting with a writer to whom I Pay for dissertation at Grand Canyon Park. The environment was really pleasant there and I had such a lovely meeting.

Gregory J. Trujillo said...

This is quite a helpful post. I have been planning to pay National park a visit, and I think I can use this post to figure out what are the best areas to visit. I am afraid I can’t see the whole of it in one go. I think I will have to go outsource my academic work to https://eazyresearch.com/services/college-essay-writing. Only then will I be able to go to the national park.

Take My Online Accounting Class said...

Thank you for creating such an easy-to-use and informative blog. It isn't a difficult notion to grasp. I'm motivated by what you've accomplished, and I admire what you've accomplished. As a frequent reader, this site provided me with a lot of interesting and new content. It was incredible. In addition, I valued your suggestions. Please keep coming up with new and interesting ideas; I eagerly await your responses.

Mikel said...

I was searching about the best vehicle check report website then I found the website on google which was giving the best vehicle check report sourced directly from DVLA and 3rd party sources that you can use at your discretion, to check details that may provide valuable information to aid your decision considering a vehicle. They are also offering a free car check report for the Brits to shortlist the vehicles among many. Bestvehiclecheck is giving the best check report for vehicles and I am already using this website to check my own car. They provide me with a good and 100% correct report for my vehicle.

Nelson Murdock said...

This is a very useful article. I've been planning a trip to a national park, and I think I'll be able to use this post to help me figure out which areas are the best to visit. I believe I will need to hire https://www.ukassignmenthelp.uk/hnc-assignment-writing-help/ to help me with my academic work. I won't be able to visit the national park till then.

MichelAnthony said...

Very fascinating story, it is difficult to find interesting and relevant content among blogs now. That is why I will definitely share your blog with my friends. I wish you success!
Site: yellowstonesjacket

PeterPaul said...

Information article, it was very helpful! I simply began in this and I’m attractive more familiar with it better! Thanks, keep doing amazing..
Site: Yellowstone Kevin Costner Jacket

cloud machine said...

By executing these services, we allow companies to convert their businesses to the digital age in the most pioneering manner.

PeterPaul said...

One thing I would like to request you that pls keep posting such type of informative blog.
site: Rudy Irish Varsity Jacket

Clark said...

Your post has those facts which are not accessible from anywhere else.
SEO Vancouver

Clark said...

I was waiting this because i am looking for this info its such very informative post for me
t-shirt printers

Clark said...

This is truly the web service provider I was looking for!
extreme commerce

Clark said...

Thanks for the nice blog. It was very useful for me. I'm happy I found this blog.
northern areas of pakistan

Clark said...

This is truly the web service provider I was looking for!
Addiction counselling Vancouver

Clark said...

I was waiting this because i am looking for this info its such very informative post for me
baby cow stuffed animal

Clark said...

Your post has those facts which are not accessible from anywhere else.
Event DJ

Clark said...

It makes me realize and appreciate that things I have.
Scam Tribune

Clark said...

It will be of great help to me, my friends and relatives. Thanks for sharing it.
Red Flag Scammers

Clark said...

I bookmarked your website because this site contains valuable information.
Fraudsters News

Clark said...

Thanks for sharing because I'm satisfied I found it however, sick be returning soon to find out
Finance Reports 24/7

Clark said...

Very informational Blog about Simple Life.Thanks for sharing Your
News For Finance

Clark said...

This Blog is very informative for us. Thanks for writing about it
Scammer News

Clark said...

Thanks for the nice blog. It was very useful for me. I'm happy I found this blog.
Asset Management Udemy

49ers Gold Jacket said...

You’re doing a remarkable process. Hold it up

Spirited Ryan Reynolds Jacket said...

Thanks for providing such blogs.

49ers Gold Jacket said...

Your article is very helpful for me.

BUY FB FANS FOR YOUR BUSINESS said...

lean six sigma south dakota

BUY FB FANS FOR YOUR BUSINESS said...

Nice sharing
lean six sigma washington dc

john smith said...

I was exactly searching for. Thanks for such a post and please keep it up.
lean six sigma oregon

Clark said...

This post truly made my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
cubicle removal palm beach

Clark said...

Your blog brings me a great deal of fun. Good luck with the site.
canopy lighting jupiter

Clark said...

Thanks for sharing this information. Good luck with the site.
www.kentuckycashhomebuyers.com/how-much-will-I-get-when-I-sell-my-house

James said...

I liked most of the writers intent.

composite deck repair cincinnati

James said...

Agreed pretty much with all of it, thanks for sharing.

deck builders raleigh nc

James said...

Fascinating piece, can I share this on my blog?

www.google.com/maps?cid=9109715402822642650

BUY FB FANS FOR YOUR BUSINESS said...

Sibai Muay Thai Gym in Miami is a popular destination for anyone looking to improve their Fitness, learn self-defense skills, or simply enjoy the excitement and challenge of martial arts. With a highly skilled team of experienced trainers and a comprehensive training program, Sibai Muay Thai Gym offers a unique and rewarding experience for people of all skill levels, from beginners to professional fighters. Whether you want to get in shape, learn new techniques, or have fun and meet new people, Sibai Muay Thai Gym is the perfect place to achieve your goals. Are you looking for an authentic Muay Thai experience in Miami? Look no further than Sibai Muay Thai Gym!
Muay Thai Boxing Gym West Kendall

Maria Lawrence said...

I really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. I assure this would be beneficial for most of the people. I also wanna talk about juju hats.

Anonymous said...

I really appreciate all the great content you have here. I am glad I came across it!
www.limitlesshomesofkc.com/blog/5-essential-steps-to-selling-your-home-to-a-cash-home-buyer/

Zoe said...

Counting can be fascinating, and precision matters in various aspects, including dental care. When considering the Best veneers in Dubai, a meticulous approach is key. Ensuring the right shade, shape, and fit of veneers requires attention to detail, just as your blog highlights the importance of accurate counting. This approach will lead you to a winning smile that's as perfectly crafted as any method of counting.

Robert said...

I am glad someone has shared this Thank you for sharing such an informative and useful content as I was looking for this only. I'm surely going to bookmarked this one. Looking forward for more such articles.
Qlik Developer Training