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Montana State Parks Sees Third Straight Visitation Record

Montana's state parks recorded more than 2.48 million visitors last year

By Associated Press

HELENA – State parks in Montana saw a third consecutive year of record use in 2015 thanks in part to strong visitation during the off-peak seasons, officials say.

Montana’s state parks recorded more than 2.48 million visitors last year — up 11 percent from the previous record in 2014 and 34 percent above the 10-year average.

“We’re encouraged to see our state park visitation continue to set record numbers in 2015,” said Chas Van Genderen, Montana State Parks administrator. “Increased park visitation is positive news for Montana’s families, communities and local economies as well. Montana’s residents and out-of-state visitors understand the value that our park system brings to our great state.”

State parks officials cite strong visitation in the “shoulder seasons” from February to April and October and November as a major factor in the record.

While the visitation is reason to celebrate, the shift in seasonal interest presents a challenge, Montana State Parks spokesman Pat Doyle said.

“It was such a warm shoulder season . the weather was just incredible,” Doyle told the Independent Record. “But when we have really warm shoulder seasons we may not be adequately staffed for that level of visitation. So it’s really great to have so many people coming out, but it’s a challenge for us with how to balance that.”

Montana State Parks has faced increasing demand but has a $16 million maintenance backlog. The agency has an annual operating budget of less than $8 million.

The funding issue is at the center of the recently released strategic plan for the parks, which calls for prioritizing significant sites and the possible divestment of less significant sites.

In a response to the financial difficulties, parks supporters launched the Montana State Parks Foundation last year. While the association likely will not directly raise funds, organizers hope it can bring new money and programing into the system while also developing an organized constituency.

Montana residents made up the bulk of visitors with more than 1.9 million visits.

North central Montana had the highest number of visitors regionally, with nearly 728,000.

Giant Springs State Park near Great Falls was the most-visited park statewide, with 419,800 visits. Rounding out the top five were Flathead Lake State Park with 281,000 visits, Cooney State Park near Roberts with 184,790, Lake Elmo State Park near Billings with 172,200 and Spring Meadow Lake State Park near Helena with 172,000.