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
This could turn into a rant, so, I apologize in advance. :)
BUT, a number of posts in this thread hits several hot buttons for me.
Historically speaking, the purpose of the NPS, was to prevent commercialization of our scenic wonders. That doesn’t mean you have to backpack from Flagstaff to see the Grand Canyon, but it may prevent Jet Skis on the river or zip-lines at Desert View. Like a lot of things in life we need to strike a balance. I think the NPS has done a good job of doing that. Most parks have made the most scenic places available to every one, including those with mobility issues. At the same time, the majority of the parkland is untouched, and available for day hikes, or back country camping. Balance. Something for every one.
Another factor in finding a middle ground is to keep the NPS from becoming a burden to taxpayers. Entrance fees alone will probably not support the parks. Some parks are not conducive to collecting fees. A previous post mentioned the Great Smokies. A US highway cuts right through the heart of the park. You can’t charge someone $25 just to drive from Cherokee to Gatlinburg. But there are other ways to generate revenue, like nominal fees for ranger guided tours.
I believe that another way to generate revenue would be to significantly increase camping at the parks, especially for RVers, who are probably willing to pat a premium to camp in a national park. I know, I know. Clearing land for RV camping would destroy the natural areas. Like I said, I am certain we can find a balance. While I’m on the subject, do we really need concessionaires to run the campgrounds? Why give up the revenue for something so basic?
Another way to help keep the NPS from being a budget drain would be better use of volunteers. Here’s my rant. I have tried three times to volunteer at a local NPS facility. I submitted my name through volunteer.gov, I followed up with phone calls and emails. I have never had a return contact. I don’t think they know how to deal with someone who doesn’t want something, like a free campsite, in return. If the rangers don’t want to be bothered managing volunteers, maybe they could “hire” volunteer volunteer managers
By the way, I always thought the $10 lifetime senior pass was ridiculous, ut don’t ask me to pony up another $70 now.
BUT, a number of posts in this thread hits several hot buttons for me.
Historically speaking, the purpose of the NPS, was to prevent commercialization of our scenic wonders. That doesn’t mean you have to backpack from Flagstaff to see the Grand Canyon, but it may prevent Jet Skis on the river or zip-lines at Desert View. Like a lot of things in life we need to strike a balance. I think the NPS has done a good job of doing that. Most parks have made the most scenic places available to every one, including those with mobility issues. At the same time, the majority of the parkland is untouched, and available for day hikes, or back country camping. Balance. Something for every one.
Another factor in finding a middle ground is to keep the NPS from becoming a burden to taxpayers. Entrance fees alone will probably not support the parks. Some parks are not conducive to collecting fees. A previous post mentioned the Great Smokies. A US highway cuts right through the heart of the park. You can’t charge someone $25 just to drive from Cherokee to Gatlinburg. But there are other ways to generate revenue, like nominal fees for ranger guided tours.
I believe that another way to generate revenue would be to significantly increase camping at the parks, especially for RVers, who are probably willing to pat a premium to camp in a national park. I know, I know. Clearing land for RV camping would destroy the natural areas. Like I said, I am certain we can find a balance. While I’m on the subject, do we really need concessionaires to run the campgrounds? Why give up the revenue for something so basic?
Another way to help keep the NPS from being a budget drain would be better use of volunteers. Here’s my rant. I have tried three times to volunteer at a local NPS facility. I submitted my name through volunteer.gov, I followed up with phone calls and emails. I have never had a return contact. I don’t think they know how to deal with someone who doesn’t want something, like a free campsite, in return. If the rangers don’t want to be bothered managing volunteers, maybe they could “hire” volunteer volunteer managers
By the way, I always thought the $10 lifetime senior pass was ridiculous, ut don’t ask me to pony up another $70 now.
