tsetsaf wrote:
SDcampowneroperator wrote:
Elk Mountain Campground at Wind Cave NP will be closed this year. When I met with the Super., Mr. Davila, and his staff for discovery, they presented financials that the camp operated at 65% of income to cost.
As the campground is not an essential part of ,or of necessity to the Park, closure was their only option within the fiscal rules.
Their rate policy did not match expenses for this camp.
Below cost usage fees to operate the camp is the reason for the closure there.
If it was a cost neutral feature, it would be open.
Why don't they raise the camping fee then?
In their financial structure, adjusting rates or reallocating funds requires application to NPS Headquarters. An 18 mo. process. Unless------ Can't go there without violating forum rules on political comment.-----
2012 rate for this no hook up camp with flush toilets, central water fill and dump station , daily interpretive programs and firewood on honor ( often abused) was $12/ night, when flush washrooms were open , for $6/ night only the pit toilets are available.
Pass holders always camp for 1/2 price, regardless of date.
The staff at Wind Cave stated 6652 people used the camp in 2012 for a gross income of $26,000 vs expense of $46,000 to operate.
My reason for visiting with the staff there was to educate them on the impact the word 'closure' may have, how it could affect visitation to the cave, whether a system is in place to refer due to the closure to other camps, USFS, State parks or private. No. they do not.
