Changes to National Park fees
Just saw an article from CNN claiming that the National Parks have announced the final fee increase decisions for this year. Day use fees will increase by $% Annual Passes for single parks will inc...
Forum Discussion
In addition, many state parks have that same type of mission. They are supposed to maintain and manage lands for the enjoyment of the people while at the same time conserving the land.
Unfortunately, those two parts can be very much in opposition. Is ATV riding all over sand dunes destroying the land? Or is it enjoying the land? At what point does it cross one to the other? Is everyone in agreement with that line in the sand (no pun intended)?
And when does one person's enjoyment of the land override another's?
I think most people will agree that reducing the number of people in the park will make it more enjoyable (seeing it as wild instead of occupied). But how many people will agree with plans to do that if it is THEY who are being kept out of the park? Will you sacrifice your ability to visit and explore an area so that your grandchildren can visit and explore it? What if you've never been there yourself?
Unfortunately, those two parts can be very much in opposition. Is ATV riding all over sand dunes destroying the land? Or is it enjoying the land? At what point does it cross one to the other? Is everyone in agreement with that line in the sand (no pun intended)?
And when does one person's enjoyment of the land override another's?
I think most people will agree that reducing the number of people in the park will make it more enjoyable (seeing it as wild instead of occupied). But how many people will agree with plans to do that if it is THEY who are being kept out of the park? Will you sacrifice your ability to visit and explore an area so that your grandchildren can visit and explore it? What if you've never been there yourself?
