Communities Near Yellowstone National Park Lost $15.7M In Visitor Spending, THANKS Government Shutdown

Monday's report from the National Park Service estimated that communities near Yellowstone National Park lost $15.7 million in visitor spending and communities around Glacier National Park lost $2.6 million.  Other analysis has shown the16-day shutdown cost Montana's economy $45 million.

Senator John Walsh released the following statement after the National Park Service issued a report on the economic impact of closing national parks during the government’s shutdown in October 2013:

 “The data released today confirms what most Montanans already know: our National Parks are an essential part of our economy and the federal shutdown severely damaged last fall's park season. Though that loss is irreversible, another shutdown is preventable.  Given Montana's reliance on the income generated from park tourists, it is my priority to ensure that we find a responsible path forward that doesn't jeopardize the future of Montana’s national park gateway communities."

Why do you think the shutdown was worth it?