Annual Information Exchange (AIX) Annual Report July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016 The Annual Information Exchange (AIX) reports are designed and intended primarily for us by the state park directors and their staff for various purposes, such as identifying program, facility and personnel needs, formulating budgetary requests for state legislatures, and comparing their programs with those of the other states. Over the years, however, state parks data published in the AIX have been increasingly requested, and presumably used, by a growing number of other individuals – in academic institutions, other government agencies, and business and industry. It is recommended that all users of the data in this report, whether veteran park staffers or novices, first carefully review the accompanying definitions, notes and symbols to make sure they have the best possible understanding before making assumptions or drawing conclusions based on this data set. Differing state statues, regulations, and policies; variation in properties and assets between states; and dissimilar philosophies of acquisition, development, operations and finance may impact comparisons. Printed copies were mailed last month to each director and the parks representative completed the initial survey. Lewis Ledford will review the report at the annual conference and solicit suggestions about how it can be improved. Selected AIX Statistics 2016 10,314 state park areas comprising over 18.1 million acres 8,982 trails over 37,791 miles total length–that’s more than 1.5 times around the earth’s equator! 241,261 campsites ranging from multiple hookups to primitive 9,457 cabins and cottages 161 lodges in 29 states with 7,420 rooms 141 golf courses 146 ski slopes 306 marinas 88 stable operations 373.2 million visitors to fee areas – 418.1 million to non-fee areas (791.2 million in total visitation) 61.5 million campers 1.7 million lodge guests 4.7 million cabin guests 17.3 million campsite nights rented Operating expenditures totaling $2.46 billion – 31.3% from the general fund of states $757.2 million expended for capital expenditures Average share of the state budget — 0.16% 19,008 full-time state park personnel and 48,306 total personnel (including part-times and seasonal)