Latest figures from the Parks and Wildlife Service show a 6.4 per cent drop in visitors to nine key reserves between 2007 and 2010.

In flagship national parks over a six-year period from 2004-05, Cradle Mountain had a 12.4 per cent drop in numbers, Lake St Clair had a 24 per cent drop, Mount Field was down by 18.5 per cent and Maria Island numbers were down by an alarming 43.5 per cent.

In the past fortnight, the federal and state governments have signed the forestry peace deal that will see 430,000 hectares considered and evaluated for preservation. The Australian Greens are seeking 572,000 hectares for protection, which would put more than half of the state into reserves.

When questioned about the fall in visitor numbers to national parks, Greens parks spokeswoman Cassy O'Connor said it was not all about visitors and tourism.

"My view is that we have a responsibility to protect these areas of wilderness in Tasmania," Ms O'Connor said.

"National parks are primarily for conserving our natural and ecological resources."

Ms O'Connor, who is also Human Services and Community Development Minister, said she believed that the falling visitor numbers were part of a cyclical trend and that national parks would have an important role in the future of tourism and the Tasmanian economy.

"National parks are a significant magnet for national and international visitors," Ms O'Connor said.

"Despite these cyclical trends, there is a future for tourism in Tasmania.

"I am positive that continued eco-tourism, underpinned by the wilderness brand, will secure jobs and increase visitor numbers to our state."

The state government abolished the Department of Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts in May 2009, merging it with the Department of Primary Industry and Water.

Figures from the 2011-12 budget show that parks funding will slide from $51.6 million in 2010-11 to a projected $45.29 million in 2014-15, representing a 12.3 per cent decline.

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