National Park Service has it all wrong!!??

What demographic is most hurt by this? Just because X number of people per year used to buy it doesn't mean the same number will continue to buy it. People with more money will now be able to use those parks with fewer people there.

Regardless of the rate system, the Park Service will operate without the needed funds - My suggestion, as I think many already do - if you can give the park you visit a DONATION! - do this and you will feel good - If you can't then enjoy the Parks at the rate set.

Many give more than they are asked - Many can't - Many Volunteer at the National Parks and I Thank them for their Service - some of the best conversations have been with these volunteers who have gained so much insight and just make the Parks Better.

So as this Post winds down, Let's Enjoy - Visit - and Give Back just a little, IMHO no matter what they charge They Are A Bargain, and we are lucky/fortunate to have them.

JMHO,

carl2591 wrote:
I believe the NPS should change what they charge for the NPS passes.

right now the cost are as follows.

America the Beautiful Annual pass- $80
America the Beautiful Senior pass- $10
America the Beautiful Access pass- free for permanently disabled.
America the Beautiful military pass- free to active military.

The Annual pass should cost only $50 and the Senior Pass should be $80. (that is lifetime.)

10 bucks for something that last a lifetime after age 62 is crazy. Just goes to show how little government knows about cost to run stuff.

Me i am looking forward to getting my Senior pass in 2 yrs and if I have to pay 80 bucks for it then its still a STEAL..

Well your idea is wrong on so many levels it's hard to know where to start. I am sure you mean well but it sounds more like sour grapes.

First almost every country of any developed status at all have deep discounts for those that are retired, students and the War Veterans. So this is just in keeping with discounts for those over a certain age that are enjoyed at parks, restaurants and many other businesses.

As someone who has used the National Parks system for almost 60 years, and that counts being taken by my parents, I have supported the Parks with countless dollars over my working life.

The only financially responsible decision for the National Parks is the current rate system. It would be Bad policy to say nothing of bad economics to make the changes you call for.

Now I for one would find it interesting if you would support your idea with some logical argument. Why for example should the young, healthy and WORKING people who can afford to take a vacation get a deep discount leaving the bulk of the financial burden on those who are not working and on limited incomes?

I think the system is fair as structured and fiscally responsible too.

In fact the price of a Senior Pass is going to $80 - see more here:
http://travel.aarp.org/articles-tips/articles/info-2016/national-parks-lifetime-pass-cost-increase.html

More new senior Pass info:

Senior Pass Info

I agree with 2gypsies - been doing this part time rv'ing 19 years and have had to reserve National Parks sometimes a year in advance.

rjxj wrote:
They raise the rate 800 % for retirees yet you can't stay over 14 days in a park that has 100 vacant sites.

We've never been in a national park that had 100 vacant sites. Where was this? What we see are full.

mikestock wrote:
Although I, personally, am in the $10/lifetime group, I think your regular annual pass should be based on your proximity to parks and the popularity of the parks in your neighborhood. I live in Alabama and, to my knowledge, there is only one facility, a National Sea Shore, within 500 miles of me, where it can be used. People in Wyoming, Montana, California, Utah, Arizona, etc. have many more facilities in their neck of the woods. If I were one of the under 62 group, why should I have to pay the same $80/yr. as they do?

I have paid the $80, when on vacation and used it from park to park, all in a three week period. For the rest of the year it was useless, to me.

The Senior Pass is not only good for the national parks. It's gives entrance to many more types of national sites and there are many of them around you:

http://wikitravel.org/en/United_States_National_Parks

HB 4680 is law!

HB 4680

50 years paying to support them, the NPS is just saying thanks.

carl2591 wrote:
I believe the NPS should change what they charge for the NPS passes.

right now the cost are as follows.

America the Beautiful Annual pass- $80
America the Beautiful Senior pass- $10
America the Beautiful Access pass- free for permanently disabled.
America the Beautiful military pass- free to active military.

The Annual pass should cost only $50 and the Senior Pass should be $80. (that is lifetime.)

10 bucks for something that last a lifetime after age 62 is crazy. Just goes to show how little government knows about cost to run stuff.

Me i am looking forward to getting my Senior pass in 2 yrs and if I have to pay 80 bucks for it then its still a STEAL..