"Good Weather, Economy Help NPS Break Reagan-Era Attendance Record"

"The National Park Service announced yesterday that it had more than 292.8 million recreational visitors in 2014 -- a higher annual total than any time in its nearly 100-year history.

The tally is about 5.6 million above the previous visitation record of 287.2 million, which was set nearly 30 years ago in 1987, when President Reagan was still in office.

'It is gratifying to see more people than ever coming to their national parks to enjoy nature, learn about history and spend time with their families,' NPS Director Jonathan Jarvis said in a celebratory statement. 'As we look ahead to our centennial in 2016, I am looking forward to announcing a new record-breaking number of visitors coming to experience national parks next year and beyond.'"

Corbin Hiar reports for Greenwire February 18, 2015.