I can not say nice things about our current government. I've not heard that purposeful but I do not doubt it.
When My wife and I Visited Grand Canyon the very nice person told us about the pass $10 bucks and we got in free. would have cost more just to drive in without the pass so we saved money at the get-go.
When my wife (Who was a tad older than I) died I qualified for my own pass so I walked into the park office, handed the worker 10 bucks and my driver's license and she handed me a pass (And returned the DL) I'm told our legislators decided to up the price to what 80 bucks now.
And now they want to restrict the use......
There are two things we can do about it. .Write/Call/Contact our legislators and explain our Pleasure over this added cost.
Two VOTE.