Utah's '13 National Parks' Are Big Draws Worldwide

The National Park Service released a report Friday describing some of the economic benefits that come from having popular national parks. The report has generated interesting press coverage. Everyone seems to agree that Utah's parks are awesome and provide a tremendous boost for the state, but some of the details are a bit misleading.

As far as I can see, three Utah news outlets have published items about the report:

Utah national parks popular worldwide

Local national parks boost Utah economy

National Parks create $596.5 million in tourism dollars

The report includes data on all properties managed by the National Park Service. In Utah that includes National Parks, National Monuments, National Recreation Areas and National Historic Sites. Some news outlets are lumping them together and using using the phrase: "Utah's 13 National Parks." That is misleading. I have no idea where they get the number 13.

Here's how Utah properties break down

5 National Parks

• Zion
• Bryce
• Capitol Reef
• Canyonlands
• Arches

2 National Recreation Areas

• Glen Canyon/Lake Powell
• Flaming Gorge

6 National Monuments/Historic Sites

• Grand Staircase-Escalante
• Cedar Breaks
• Natural Bridges
• Rainbow Bridge
• Dinosaur
• Timponogos Cave
• Golden Spike
• Hovenweep