The National Park Service released a new economic report Monday that shows Lewis and Clark National Historical Park received more than 200,000 visitors in 2012, resulting in $10.8 million in total visitor spending for the area.

The agency also released the estimated economic toll the 16-day government shutdown had on parks and communities last fall.

The report indicates that compared to a three-year average 7.88 million fewer national park visitors came in October. That resulted in an estimated loss of $414 million in visitor spending for all communities within 60 miles of national parks.

Scott Tucker, park superintendent for Lewis and Clark, said he was pleased that the park was able to make such an economic impact.

“I’m really happy that Lewis and Clark continues to be a strong member of the community,” said Tucker.

“I hope in the future that more of the local community visits and takes part in the park on a regular basis,” he said, whether it’s for hiking or learning more about the Lewis and Clark expedition.

The majority of visitor spending goes to local restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, motels and bed and breakfast accommodations, according to the report.

Because of visitor spending near Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, the local community sustained 153 local jobs in 2012, resulting in $4.8 million in labor income, the study found.

Oregon numbers

The six NPS sites in Oregon received 875,000 visitors in 2012, with $58.5 million being spent and supporting 924 jobs.

“The national parks of Oregon attract visitors from across the country and around the world,” said Regional Director Chris Lehnertz in a released statement. “Whether they are out for an afternoon, a school field trip, or a month-long family vacation, visitors come to have a great experience, and end up spending a little money along the way. This new report shows that national park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy – returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service – and a big factor in Oregon’s economy as well, a result we can all support.”

The sites in Oregon include Crater Lake National Park, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon Caves National Monument, parts of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park and Nez Perce National Historical Park.

During the government shutdown, 19 part- and full-time employees at Lewis and Clark park were furloughed. On the first day of the shutdown, a cruise ship carrying 2,670 passengers arrived in Astoria with many expecting to visit Fort Clatsop. Student field trip visits had to be canceled during the more than two-week closure.

The peer-reviewed national study released Monday found that $26.75 billion in economic activity associated with 369 parks units resulted in nearly 250,000 jobs across the country.

This story originally appeared in Daily Astorian.