Utah State Eastern presents Legacy in the Balance: Utah’s Mighty 5 and the Economic Impact of the National Parks
Wednesday, March 25 from 6:00PM to 7:00PM
At the Utah State Eastern Central Instruction Building Room #101

When the National Park System was established, its purpose was simple yet profound: to preserve America’s most treasured landscapes for future generations. Today, that vision has grown into an economic force, with national parks contributing over $55 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Nowhere is this effect more apparent than in Utah’s “Mighty 5,” which serve millions of visitors, generate billions in revenue, support thousands of workers, and sustain gateway communities across the state. This success, while meaningful, raises an important question: has the powerful economic impact of the parks begun to overshadow their original purpose of preservation? This talk will explore that balance—how the National Park System can fuel growth and opportunity while remaining true to its enduring mission of protecting America’s natural and cultural heritage.

Doug Miller is the Executive Director of the Southeastern Entrepreneurial Network and Director of the Economic Development Center at Utah State University Eastern. A lifelong advocate for rural vitality, he helps communities across southeastern Utah harness their proximity to national parks and public lands for sustainable growth. His work highlights how America’s parks are not only treasures of beauty and conservation but also powerful drivers of entrepreneurship, tourism, and local prosperity.