Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Driving Local Economies Through Outdoor Recreation

National Parks Conservation Association

September 16, 2022

"Since 1965, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has invited visitors to enjoy 40 miles of free-flowing river and some 70,000 acres of forests and floodplains, waterfalls and marshes, beaches and mountain terrain."

^{- Making Connections: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Report}

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a boon to the region's economy.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area generated over $235 million for local businesses in 2021.

This economic impact represents the total increase in local business revenue attributable to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area visitor spending and park employment and the resulting supply chain purchases and spending of employee wages.

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How Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Creates an Economic Impact

Learn More About the Ways Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Supports Local Economies

4.3 million visitors came to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in 2021. These visitors spent over $175 million during their visits.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a regional destination – attracting visitors from across the Northeast. Nearly three of four visitors came from outside the local area to enjoy the National Recreation Area.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a job creator – supporting 2,686 jobs and $84 million in salaries and wages each year.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides more than just great experiences and memories – it generates jobs for the surrounding economy. In addition to the 300 employees of the Gap, the recreation area's economic activity supports an additional 2,300 local jobs across various industries.

These impacts bring more sales and impacts for a wide range of industries.

The top industries most impacted by Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area's visitors include restaurants, recreation, accommodation, and attractions.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area generated nearly $2.9 million for state and local municipalities in 2021.

When out-of-town visitors spend money on food, transportation, recreation, shopping, and lodging, tax revenue is generated for state and local municipalities. In 2021, this visitor spending generated approximately $2.2 million of sales tax revenue and nearly $650,00 in hotel tax revenue.

A REGIONAL IMPACT

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, nestled along the New Jersey and Pennsylvania border, attracts visitors to the five counties abutting the recreation area.

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Recommendations to Enhance Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area’s Economic Potential

Advance efforts to conserve ecologically important landscapes between and adjacent to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Congress should reauthorize the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act and, which would continue efforts to improve water quality, resiliency, wildlife habitats, and access for outdoor recreation. Since its creation in 2016, the Delaware River Basin Restoration program has awarded $26.6 million to 123 restoration projects.

Create a welcoming and safe experience for all park visitors.

Leverage the presence of the park for greater financial gain for local communities and businesses, and the park’s benefit by creating a welcoming and safe visitor experience. The National Park Service, park partners, and local businesses should create promotional and educational programming, signage, and website content in Spanish, as well as other languages, as well as invest in multi-lingual water safety resources.

Policymakers in surrounding counties and townships should promote zoning regulations that embrace the outdoor recreational economy while protecting Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Rezoning and development proposals that permit industrial warehouses and similar incompatible projects could cause irreparable harm to scenic viewsheds, air and water quality, and contribute to industrial activity that would impact growing outdoor recreation and tourism.

Fill gaps in park resources by leveraging federal funding to improve and preserve Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

The extensive repairs to US Route 209, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, will benefit the park and its surrounding communities. Reauthorization of this legislation, leveraging dollars from the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, and additional federal funding for the National Park Service would provide additional staff and resources to improve the visitor experience, prepare for climate change, interpret First Nations narratives as part of its cultural programming, prepare and address maintenance projects within the park, such as rebuilding and restoration additional roads, bridges, and trails.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area boosts customer traffic and sales for communities and nearby businesses around the park – driving local economic growth.

Breweries, wineries, restaurants, hotels, museums, and other businesses directly benefit from their proximity to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, with park visitors stopping and spending money during their trips. This activity supports local entrepreneurs and creates vibrant communities where people want to live, work, and enjoy life.

"Many of the businesses within our township, and our neighboring townships, particularly the resorts and timeshares that have been here for generations, would not thrive without the tourism Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area attracts.

Middle Smithfield Township enjoys the distinction of 'Gateway to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreatin Area,' as we are the busiest entrance to the park. We are grateful to the DWNRA's Hidden Lake as a 'hidden gem' within our township, where both travelers and residents can enjoy the Delaware River."

^{-Middle Smithfield Board of Supervisors}

*Delaware Water Gap offers a wide range of outdoor amenties and experiences for all ages with a vibrant business community just outside.*

*Charming Storefront of a Local Business in Downtown Milford*

"Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is the primary driver of Milford's hospitality-based economy and is one of the most compelling amenities attracting new residents to Pike County. Serving as the northern gateway to DEWA brings challenges, to be sure.

But the proximity to the Gap is one of the primary reasons why Milford has been able to maintain a vibrant commercial center when so many other small towns struggle with empty storefronts and declining retail."

^{-Sean Strub, Mayor of Milford and Milford Business Owner}

*Visitors Enjoying the Fall Foilage at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area*

"As the only Monroe County, PA, Township with access to the Delaware River recreation facilities as well as Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Appalachian Trail, Smithfield Township’s definition as a place to vacation, live, and to learn about nature is unique.

Our recreation facilities, including Wyndham Shawnee Resort, The Shawnee Inn, Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, and Smithfield Beach, underscore our reputation as the place you can ski at lunch, fish after work, or climb a mountain at sunset. Economic developments in work or on the boards include four major new living communities, a major retail center, an office park, and medical facilities.

Why here? Simply because it is the nicest place to be.”

^{-Robert Lovenheim, Chief of Economic Development Supervisor of Smithfield, PA}

*Village Farmer/Bakery Welcomes Visitors and Customers Throughout All Seasons of the Year*

“The town of Delaware Water Gap is directly impacted by the fact that the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area surrounds the town. The town has had a history of welcoming visitors for years. All businesses in our town benefit from the Recreation Area visitors and Appalachian Trail hikers.

We are now welcoming people going to the Recreation Area and hiking the Appalachian Trail. The Village Farmer and Bakery has been in business for 45 years, since 1977. We have seen a tremendous increase in visitors using the park. For years people didn’t know about the recreation area. Now people are planning trips here and visiting our town during their trip.

We love welcoming visitors and helping them find their way into adventures and memories that will last their whole life.”

^{-Susan Cooper, Owner of Village Farmer/Bakery}

*Vineyard at Eagles Rest Cellars - Stroudsburg, PA*

"The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers numerous avenues for residents and visitors to enjoy the great outdoors. Their time in nature is fun, therapeutic and provides an opportunity for them to play and be adventurous.

The recreation area adds to the retreat and natural spaces visitors experience when they visit our farm, vineyard and winery. "

^{-Debra and Royce Fetherman, Owners of Eagles Rest Cellars}

Learn more about the National Parks Conservation Association and The Scenic Wild Delaware River Geotourism Program .