|
|
Post by revirdsuba99 on Oct 25, 2017 23:58:39 GMT
You may have to pay $70 to visit the Grand Canyon and 16 other national parks
Madison Park, CNN • Updated 25th October 2017 (CNN) — The National Park Service proposes more than doubling the entrance fees at 17 popular national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone, to help pay for infrastructure improvements. Under the agency's proposal , the entrance fee for a private vehicle would jump to $70 during peak season, from its current rate of $25 to $30.The cost for a motorcycle entering the park could increase to $50, from the current fee of $15 to $25. The cost for people entering the park on foot or on bike could go to $30, up from the current rate of $10 to $15. The cost of the annual pass, which permits entrance into all federal lands and parks, would remain at $80. Peak pricing would affect each park's busiest five months for visitors. The National Park Service said the increase would help pay for badly needed improvements, including to roads, bridges, campgrounds, waterlines, bathrooms and other visitor services at the parks. The fee hikes could also boost national park revenue by $70 million per year, it said. "The infrastructure of our national parks is aging and in need of renovation and restoration," Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke said in a statement. Of the 417 national park sites, 118 charge an entrance fee. The National Park service has opened the proposal to public comments for 30 days at its website. parkplanning.nps.gov/proposedpeakseasonfeerates.%20WThe proposal was blasted by the National Parks Conservation Association, a nonpartisan advocacy group. "We should not increase fees to such a degree as to make these places -- protected for all Americans to experience -- unaffordable for some families to visit," the group's president and CEO Theresa Pierno said in a statement. "The solution to our parks' repair needs cannot and should not be largely shouldered by its visitors." "The administration just proposed a major cut to the National Park Service budget even as parks struggle with billions of dollars in needed repairs," Pierno said. "If the administration wants to support national parks, it needs to walk the walk and work with Congress to address the maintenance backlog." On the National Park Service's Facebook page, some commented that the proposal was reasonable since it was going to improve and maintain the parks. Others lamented that it would price working class people out of making trips that they had saved up for. Entrance fees at several national parks, including Mount Rainer, Grand Teton and Yellowstone, went up in 2015 to their current price. Those fee increases didn't seem to deter visitors. In 2016, National Park Services received a record-breaking 331 million visits, which marked a 7.7% increase over 2015. It was the park service's third consecutive all-time attendance record. www.cnn.com/travel/article/national-park-service-fee-proposal/index.htmlSo much for affordable family vacations..........
|
|
basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,619 
|
Post by basketdiva on Oct 26, 2017 0:11:01 GMT
So glad I got an annual pass. Hopefully the entrance fee will still be good for 7 days.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 22:55:17 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2017 0:11:24 GMT
I didn't read the article yet,
But motorcycles should pay at least 5 grand for the amout of noise they make in the parks. Maybe a million would be better.
And those extra huge rv's. Some of the park roads just can't handle those rvs.
|
|
|
|
Post by crimsoncat05 on Oct 26, 2017 0:11:26 GMT
with this administration, I'm imagining that if they pass, those increased fees will NOT make it all the way to making the infrastructure improvements they say are needed. (my cynicism is showing again, I guess.) "The administration just proposed a major cut to the National Park Service budget even as parks struggle with billions of dollars in needed repairs," Pierno said. "If the administration wants to support national parks, it needs to walk the walk and work with Congress to address the maintenance backlog." ^^^ I agree with THIS. Don't take away their budget and then try to pass increases on to the visitors. |
|
tduby1
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,979
|
Post by tduby1 on Oct 26, 2017 0:38:21 GMT
I think it would be sad, as it would make it hard/ impossible for many people to enjoy parks that are supposed to be for everyone. The National Park Service and President have some bad blood right? And he wants to cut their funding (surely out of spite), so could this be a political move to get the public to speak out agaisnt the proposed cuts?
|
|
|
|
Post by revirdsuba99 on Oct 26, 2017 0:45:26 GMT
I guess its to pay Zinke's chartered air travel and maybe help with the #300 million to Whitefish?!?!?!?
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 22:55:17 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2017 0:45:52 GMT
They have to pay for the tax cuts. And in most cases it’s not the 1% ers going to the National Parks but the middle class on down who do.
|
|
Sarah*H
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,978
|
Post by Sarah*H on Oct 26, 2017 0:54:17 GMT
I can't believe I'm typing this but I'm not necessarily opposed to this idea. They HAVE to do something. The national park system has been underfunded for decades now - they are understaffed, the infrastructure in many parks is crumbling and the most popular parks are simply no longer able to handle the amount of traffic they get in peak season. It is so bad that they are considering a reservation system (just to enter) the most popular parks like Zion. Did anyone else here see the crazy photos of the crowds on Angel's Landing or the Narrows from this summer?
It's beyond clear that Congress is never going to fix this in the budget - heck, we are lucky they haven't started selling off parts of these parks and sticking casinos and gas wells in the open spaces because there are a frightening number of Republicans out there who think that is a good idea. These spaces are our national treasure but we haven't been treating them as such for a long time now. People were livid when the NPS started requiring paid beach driving permits for Cape Hatteras National Seashore but it happened, the world didn't end and the park service got a needed funding boost to pay for parking upgrades and better enforcement to keep the beach enjoyable for everyone.
So I think this proposal might be okay. It's only $10 more to get the pass so add a second park onto your itinerary and it's a bargain.
|
|
Sarah*H
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,978
|
Post by Sarah*H on Oct 26, 2017 1:04:11 GMT
Here is the article about the overcrowding National Parks Struggle with Mounting Crisisand this is the photo of Angel's Landing I was talking about.  If you've ever been to Zion or know anything about this trail, you know how crazy and unsafe this situation is. |
|
|
|
Post by myboysnme on Oct 26, 2017 1:08:26 GMT
It used to be free but no one wants to put enough tax money towards them. It's still a huge bargain compared to Disney and other hot vacation destinations.
|
|
|
|
Post by revirdsuba99 on Oct 26, 2017 1:20:19 GMT
heck, we are lucky they haven't started selling off parts of these parks and sticking casinos and gas wells in the open spaces because there are a frightening number of Republicans out there who think that is a good idea. Someone has already been taking about selling.........Can't remember who it was... Raising prices is normal, but $30 to $70? ETA: Wasn't there just an article that dt cleared it to drill in the big park in Alaska? (not sure, because I know it is somewhere I will never be going to) |
|
Sarah*H
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,978
|
Post by Sarah*H on Oct 26, 2017 1:28:43 GMT
Agreed but the reality is, people are just going to buy the pass. Maybe they'll take advantage of it, maybe they won't but some of things I've been reading like this increase will keep families from being able to take the vacation they've saved for? That's hyperbole. If you're paying for the gas and food to drive and visit someplace like Yosemite or Zion or the Grand Canyon or Great Smoky or Shenandoah, you may complain about the extra $40 to get in but it's not going to keep you from going altogether. The vast majority of people for whom that $40 is make or break already aren't taking this type of trip, at least in a private car.
And I suspect that as extreme as this seems, it won't end up being that much AND it won't even begin to cover the actual cost of the impacts increased visitors have caused over the last few years.
|
|
|
|
Post by papercrafteradvocate on Oct 26, 2017 1:43:47 GMT
And to pay for the gazillions for the security he requires now.
|
|
breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,918
Location: PNW
|
Post by breetheflea on Oct 26, 2017 2:02:33 GMT
It will be the people who live near the parks that will stay away/won't pay. It won't stop the tourists. Like someone above said, when you are already paying to drive there, for the hotel, to eat out, another $70 is not a big deal.
Kind of like DH cousin who lives in Anaheim and her kids have never been to Disneyland because it costs too much.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 22:55:17 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2017 2:27:33 GMT
Ok say they raise the fee to $70. How do you know they will use the additional fees to actually do the repairs? How do you know they won’t use the additional money to pay other expenses that need to be covered because of budget cuts to pay for the tax cuts?
The way I see if Congress feels there is all this extra money hanging around they can give the tax cuts they are proposing then Congress can make the needed repairs in the National Parks with a moderate increase in fees of between $5 - $10.
And if they do increase the fees to $70 then signs had better start popping up in the National Park pointing out the repairs paid for by the increased entrance fees plus tax dollars. Anything less is proof the American people are being conned, again.
|
|
|
|
Post by annabella on Oct 26, 2017 2:33:44 GMT
I go to some "local" beaches that are natural parks. They have different prices depending if your license plate is in state or not. The places I go hiking offer 2 free weekends a year. So I'd hope natural parks could do something like that for regulars or sell a yearly pass. I understand they need to raise money, but more than double is sticker shock. I just googled and all national parks already have 6 free days/weekends: www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htmI only go there when it's warm. |
|
|
|
Post by Darcy Collins on Oct 26, 2017 2:48:09 GMT
It will be the people who live near the parks that will stay away/won't pay. It won't stop the tourists. Like someone above said, when you are already paying to drive there, for the hotel, to eat out, another $70 is not a big deal. Kind of like DH cousin who lives in Anaheim and her kids have never been to Disneyland because it costs too much. That makes no sense, the cost of the annual pass stayed the same. ETA I should say is proposed to stay the same. |
|
|
|
Post by Darcy Collins on Oct 26, 2017 2:52:32 GMT
I support it - as long as it's actually going to the parks. I really don't see this increase pricing out very many people. The people who aren't able to afford the jump from $30 to $70 were probably those who financially can't afford the trip at all. The truly poor aren't able to enjoy the national parks as the transportation alone is a barrier.
|
|
|
|
Post by crimsoncat05 on Oct 26, 2017 2:56:42 GMT
The vast majority of people for whom that $40 is make or break already aren't taking this type of trip, at least in a private car. It will be the people who live near the parks that will stay away/won't pay. It won't stop the tourists. Both of those things. We are within driving distance of the Grand Canyon (it would be a long day, but we could go and come back in a day just for a visit.) And there's only two of us. That price increase might mean we would decide NOT to go. Because we don't go places like that often enough to pay that extra $10 to make the annual pass worthwhile. And this: nd if they do increase the fees to $70 then signs had better start popping up in the National Park pointing out the repairs paid for by the increased entrance fees plus tax dollars. Anything less is proof the American people are being conned, again. somehow, I feel sure that we, the American people, are going to get screwed in this deal. And that some other people (FOT- Friends of Trump) will get richer. Again. |
|
|
|
Post by ntsf on Oct 26, 2017 3:07:34 GMT
they should not cut the budget.. they should double it and cut something military. and make it $50.. and an annual pass at $75.
the parks have been cut so much for so long.. they are barely hanging on. most the interpretive programs of old have been cut (provided by private contractors, not park staff).. more money goes for park law enforcement.
and this has gone on for 40 yrs. the one thing most americans loves could be funded if they wanted to..
--former park ranger.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 22:55:17 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2017 21:57:23 GMT
linkFrom SF Gate.. “Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, who oversees the National Park Service, is seeking the higher admission fee to address the agency’s maintenance backlog — some $11.3 billion of repairs needed for aging ranger stations, washed-out trails and outdated water systems. While critics aren’t necessarily opposed to boosting fees, many say such large hikes on the heels of President Trump’s proposed 12 percent reduction to the park system’s $2.85 billion budget next fiscal year is wrongheaded.” That proposed increase is just to make up funds lost in the budget cut. The reason for the cut in the budget is to pay for the tax cuts. Tax cuts the middle class and below won’t be getting. So the middle class & below are getting a double whammy. No tax cuts and as the article says pricing families out of going to the National Parks. All so the rich can get richer. Another example of the GOP agenda - mean spirited that benefits a few at the expense of the many.
|
|
|
|
Post by ghislaine on Oct 26, 2017 22:13:57 GMT
Here is the article about the overcrowding National Parks Struggle with Mounting Crisisand this is the photo of Angel's Landing I was talking about. If you've ever been to Zion or know anything about this trail, you know how crazy and unsafe this situation is. If crowded conditions are unsafe then clearly something ought to be done to lessen the crowds. So the increase in fees only applies to those parks that actually have entrance fees, the most popular ones, right? And the demand for the use of these parks is high? A fee increase is only Capitalism at work: Supply and Demand! I think this is a great idea as there are still plenty of National Parks without fees and there may be fewer people willing to pay the price for the popular ones making them safer and less crowded. |
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 22:55:17 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2017 0:12:56 GMT
Here is the article about the overcrowding National Parks Struggle with Mounting Crisisand this is the photo of Angel's Landing I was talking about. If you've ever been to Zion or know anything about this trail, you know how crazy and unsafe this situation is. If crowded conditions are unsafe then clearly something ought to be done to lessen the crowds. So the increase in fees only applies to those parks that actually have entrance fees, the most popular ones, right? And the demand for the use of these parks is high? A fee increase is only Capitalism at work: Supply and Demand! I think this is a great idea as there are still plenty of National Parks without fees and there may be fewer people willing to pay the price for the popular ones making them safer and less crowded. Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon? First time I looked over the edge it literally took my breath away. This after traveling through the Alps and visiting Hawaii among other places. None of these places are shabby in the scenic department. So you think it’s a good idea to price people out of having an experience like that? All the National Parks were created for all to visit. Not just a chosen few allowed at certain Parks. Yosemite has been wrestling with ways of moving people in and out of the park for years. They try different ways and seem to have on a way that works. That is what you need to do instead pricing people out of certain Parks. IMO |
|
pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643
Location: The Grand Canyon
|
Post by pudgygroundhog on Oct 27, 2017 0:25:44 GMT
Here is the article about the overcrowding National Parks Struggle with Mounting Crisisand this is the photo of Angel's Landing I was talking about. If you've ever been to Zion or know anything about this trail, you know how crazy and unsafe this situation is. I think they will have to put in a permit system similar to Half Dome. We've been to Zion three times, the first in 2002 I think and the most recent last Thanksgiving. Crowds have increased exponentially and we are loving our national parks to death. A lot of the increase to the Utah parks was due to the state's big ad campaign about the Mighty Five. All of a sudden that term was bring used on TripAdvisor when it was not a common term before, so I think the ad campaign was very effective (probably too effective). Perhaps the state should kick in some money. They are certainly profiting, but it is destroying the parks. |
|
pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643
Location: The Grand Canyon
|
Post by pudgygroundhog on Oct 27, 2017 0:30:56 GMT
I think we should take notes from Edward Abbey. Modest increase to entrance fee that stays with the parks to help maintain and protect, but ban tour buses and cars. Bike or hike in only. That would cut down on visitors. (I am only half joking).
|
|
|
|
Post by stingfan on Oct 27, 2017 0:38:46 GMT
I don't really have an issue with 'pay for play', as it were. Let the people who are using the parks contribute more to their maintenance.
Another thought...
There's a sizeable international contingent that is visiting places like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. And they're not supporting the parks via taxation the way that Americans are.
|
|
|
|
Post by ghislaine on Oct 27, 2017 1:37:54 GMT
If crowded conditions are unsafe then clearly something ought to be done to lessen the crowds. So the increase in fees only applies to those parks that actually have entrance fees, the most popular ones, right? And the demand for the use of these parks is high? A fee increase is only Capitalism at work: Supply and Demand! I think this is a great idea as there are still plenty of National Parks without fees and there may be fewer people willing to pay the price for the popular ones making them safer and less crowded. Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon? First time I looked over the edge it literally took my breath away. This after traveling through the Alps and visiting Hawaii among other places. None of these places are shabby in the scenic department. So you think it’s a good idea to price people out of having an experience like that? All the National Parks were created for all to visit. Not just a chosen few allowed at certain Parks. Yosemite has been wrestling with ways of moving people in and out of the park for years. They try different ways and seem to have on a way that works. That is what you need to do instead pricing people out of certain Parks. IMO I have been to the Grand Canyon, the Alps, and other amazing scenic locations. My personal favorite National Park is Bryce Canyon (which is also among the parks that currently have a fee.) I don't think it is a good idea to price people out of having experiences like that. Creating an elite based on money is definitely among the top things I do not like about Capitalism. I am sure that some of the infrastructure changes the parks would have liked to use this money for, include safely moving so many people in and out. I admire that the Park Service has found a way to do what they can, in the best way they can find, within the conditions that they are currently dealing with. The situation is far from ideal, so we can hardly expect that the solutions are going to be ideal either. stingfan has a good point about international visitors to our parks. An idea could be to allow Americans into the parks for free, but have charges for international visitors. That would require Americans to carry proof of citizenship when visiting the parks which could be considered a barrier too. |
|
|
|
Post by Scrapper100 on Oct 27, 2017 1:48:17 GMT
I thought they discontinued the annual pass except for seniors? If it is still available and for only $80 then that is still a great deal but $70 to visit a park is a bit much. I know we weren't happy when we had to pay $25 to spend a few hours in Joshua Tree. when we would go on road trips we would often go to several parks and of course they are all parks on this list and to have to pay $70 to go to each of them would have made us think twice and we would have just spent more time at one and not visited a few others - of course if the pass is still available then that doesn't matter. I am not happy about this at all. I think we should spend more money on our parks and make them more accessible. I grew up going to the parks and I would like to keep taking my son to them but I agree that a lot of them need a lot of work on infrastructure since they have been ignored for so long.
|
|
|
|
Post by ntsf on Oct 27, 2017 1:50:31 GMT
the amount of money they would raise is sort of on the scale of holding a bake sale to fund a air craft carrier. the back log is so big it can't be funded by admission fees.
|
|
|
|
Post by Scrapper100 on Oct 27, 2017 1:51:40 GMT
Here is the article about the overcrowding National Parks Struggle with Mounting Crisisand this is the photo of Angel's Landing I was talking about. If you've ever been to Zion or know anything about this trail, you know how crazy and unsafe this situation is. That is insane. I haven't seen these pictures. Wow I love Zion and haven't been in years but I wouldn't want to be there with that many people or even close. |
|
