AUGUSTA – In the last few years, Maine has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to build new prisons, renovate state office buildings and refurbish the State House. But at the same time, a backlog of needed repairs and renovations in the state park system has reached $16 million, according to the head of Maine’s Department of Conservation.

The department needs “to do a better job in convincing the Legislature of the economic importance of our state parks, and our waterways,” said Conservation Commissioner Patrick McGowan recently.

Documents prepared by the department list a host of issues across the system, which comprises 35 state parks, 22 historic sites and numerous publicly owned lands.

While he believes many lawmakers are sympathetic to increased funding for the park system, McGowan said the infrastructure needs of the parks are not as apparent as other state needs.

He said the facts support more state investment in the parks system.

For example, the department cites erosion and deterioration of old masonry at several historic sites. “Numerous stones have fallen out of the fort walls, threatening collapse at some points,” a state memo notes in describing the condition of Fort William Henry in Bristol.

Parks supervisor Steve Curtis said there is about $900,000 a year available for repairs and maintenance. Most of that money comes from fees paid by the Poland Spring Bottling Co. to pump water on state lands and from the sale of the so-called loon license plates. “And we are seeing less revenue from the loon plate every year,” he said.

Thomas Mullin, a professor of parks, recreation and ecotourism at Unity College, said keeping parks, historic sites and other state recreational land in good shape is important. He said studies have shown that when people are on vacation and seeking recreational opportunities, they expect a pleasant experience.

“If they have a bad experience, they will tell their friends and neighbors,” he said. “And that sort of bad publicity is hard to overcome.”

Mullin said he believes the Conservation Department has done a good job with the resources provided by the Legislature. But, he said it is shortsighted to continue to patch up facilities that need rebuilding.

A report from the Maine State Planning Office, updated earlier this year, estimated that tourism is now the largest employer in the state, with an estimated 77,000 jobs. Another study indicated nonresident visitors to Maine directly or indirectly generate $8.8 billion a year in sales of goods and services.

“We are getting something like $330 million in tax revenue from tourism, and we are not investing that back in the infrastructure that supports tourism,” said George Smith, executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine. “It’s going to come back to bite us one day.”

John Daigle, who teaches park management at the University of Maine, said there is a clear correlation between state parks and tourism.

“There are several studies that show the economic impact of tourism, and the park system is a crucial part of tourism in Maine,” Daigle said.

Several bond issues were proposed during the legislative session earlier this year, but none were approved.