Hello Guest!

National Park Fees

  • 17 Replies
  • 23518 Views
*

Pax

National Park Fees
« on: April 07, 2017, 12:08:23 pm »
Found this recently on the AARP website....

"Older people can expect a big jump sometime next year in the fee for a lifetime pass to visit national parks, as part of a larger move to pay for major projects and enhanced services.

The fee for a lifetime pass for citizens 62 and older will go from $10 to $80. An annual pass will cost them $20, which they can apply to the cost of a lifetime pass at a later point if they decide they want one.

But if you get a lifetime pass before the change is implemented, it will cost only $10. Passes can be purchased online for an additional service fee of $10 or at any of the parks without an extra charge.

National Park Service officials are unsure how long it will take to implement the change, but it’s expected before the end of 2017. Meantime, they are spreading the word informally.

“We don’t want anyone to feel blindsided and say, ‘Why didn’t anyone tell us about this,’” said Kathy Kupper, a Park Service spokeswoman. “We don’t know whether we’ll get any pushback. It [the higher fee] is still a great deal.”

Earlier this month, Congress approved legislation, the National Park Service Centennial Act, that raises fees and sets up an endowment to help pay for projects and visitor services. The cost of the senior pass has not been increased since 1994, when it jumped to $10.

The move is intended to improve the visitor experience and provide more opportunities to volunteer in parks across the country."

    - Mike

*

donc13

  • *******
  • 1358
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: 03/2015
  • Model: 2551
  • ModelYear: 2015
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Nightscape/Hickory
  • ExtColor: White/Nightscape
  • Location: Colorado
Re: National Park Fees
« Reply #1 on: April 07, 2017, 07:45:24 pm »
That $10.00 is the best investment we ever made!
Patti

---
Don and Patti

*

jatrax

  • ******
  • 827
  • John and Carrie
    • View Profile
    • Zigzag Mountain Art
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: November 2016
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2017
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Graystone
  • ExtColor: Graystone
  • Location: Oregon Mountains
Re: National Park Fees
« Reply #2 on: April 07, 2017, 08:12:39 pm »
I've been hoping to turn 62 before they raised the fee, I guess I won't make it. (WH)  Oh well, even the $80 is still a great buy.

*

Ron Dittmer

  • *******
  • 5647
  • Ron and Irene
    • View Profile
    • My 2007 2350 Phoenix Cruiser
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: June 2007
  • Model: 2350 Ford
  • ModelYear: 2007
  • Slide: No
  • IntColor: Cherry Green&Gray
  • ExtColor: Full Body Gray
  • Location: N/E Illinois
Re: National Park Fees
« Reply #3 on: April 08, 2017, 10:30:27 am »
I'd have no problem spending multiple hundreds for that pass for we would break even after the first or second season.  We have 3 years to go before we can buy one.

Thanks for sharing that information PAX.
Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

*

2 Frazzled

  • *******
  • 1434
    • View Profile
    • Spirit of the Woods
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: May 2013
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2013
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Sunlit & Cherry
  • ExtColor: Sunlit
  • Location: On the road full time (prev. Maryland)
Re: National Park Fees
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2017, 09:31:33 am »
Interesting note on getting the word out. I'm on the National Park Service email list and while they send me email multiple times a week, not a whisper have I seen about the potential increase. I guess that would be too "formal" but I think a note saying it is under consideration would have been nice. I don't make the age jump in time either but John has the card so as long as I don't forget him at a rest area somewhere, we're good to go.

The National Park Service is stlll running their "Every Kid in a Park" program where 4th graders get a free annual pass. If you have friends, kids, grandkids that are eligible, it is a great deal and easy to do. Info here: https://www.everykidinapark.gov/

I also agree that $80 is still a great deal, especially for RVers that wander the parks.
John, Holly, and sometimes Chloe.
Travel Blog: Spiritofthewoods.net

*

RheaNL

  • *****
  • 220
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: October 4, 2012
  • Model: 2100
  • ModelYear: 2013
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Dusk
  • ExtColor: Dusk lower
  • Location: Colorado
Re: National Park Fees
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2017, 11:46:21 am »
....and then, you could be really OLLLLD like my husband and me.  We got the National Park senior card so long ago it was free.

*

jatrax

  • ******
  • 827
  • John and Carrie
    • View Profile
    • Zigzag Mountain Art
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: November 2016
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2017
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Graystone
  • ExtColor: Graystone
  • Location: Oregon Mountains
Re: National Park Fees
« Reply #6 on: April 09, 2017, 12:01:31 pm »
Just read the bill, well the part we are discussing anyway.  Here is the text of that section:
SEC. 102. Comparable pass cost for seniors.

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801, Public Law 108–447, division J, title VIII) is amended in section 805(b)(1)—

(1) by striking “The Secretary” and inserting:

    “(A) The Secretary”;

(2) by striking “, at a cost of $10.00,”;

(3) by striking “shall be valid for the lifetime of the pass holder.” and inserting the following: “shall be available—

“(i) for a period of 12 months from the date of the issuance, at a cost of $20; and

“(ii) for the lifetime of the passholder, at a cost equal to the cost of the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass purchased under subsection (a).”; and

(4) by adding at the end the following:

    “(B) The Secretary shall issue a pass under subparagraph (A)(ii), for no additional cost, to any individual who provides evidence, under policies and guidelines determined by the Secretary, that the individual has purchased a pass under subparagraph (A)(i) for each of the 4 years prior to being issued a pass under this subparagraph.”.

And honestly, I have no idea what they are trying to say.

Here is a link to the full bill: https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/4680/text

*

Two Hams in a Can

  • *****
  • 248
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: December 20, 2016
  • Model: 2400 Sprinter
  • ModelYear: 2012 PC 2400 Sprinter
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Cherry
  • ExtColor: Rust
  • Location: Homewood, Il
Re: National Park Fees
« Reply #7 on: April 09, 2017, 12:41:33 pm »
We have had our "Geezer Pass" for years since it was no cost to 100% service connected disabled veterans; but SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed) has hit the 62 mark (I won't say when (exactly) and is going to get hers now at $10 in case mine isn't available.   (nod)    :)(:
Jeff and Suzanne traveling with the Cocker Spaniel sisters, Scout & Sydney in Fawkes the Phoenix 
"What happens in vagueness stays in vagueness"

*

garmp

  • ******
  • 352
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: 3/20
  • Model: 2351
  • ModelYear: 2020 2351D
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Greystone
  • ExtColor: Jack Doub Grey/Greystone
  • Location: St. Louis, MO
Re: National Park Fees
« Reply #8 on: April 09, 2017, 05:22:17 pm »
Two Hams, you got it! Same scenario here. Vet and got mine gratis. Got DW one for $10 as a safety measure and was well worth the $10.00.
Jack is what we call our PC 2351D, and he has taken us from campers to RV'ers and loving it. We're no longer Team Bob. Just Jack the RV!

*

2 Frazzled

  • *******
  • 1434
    • View Profile
    • Spirit of the Woods
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: May 2013
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2013
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Sunlit & Cherry
  • ExtColor: Sunlit
  • Location: On the road full time (prev. Maryland)
Re: National Park Fees
« Reply #9 on: April 10, 2017, 10:21:16 am »

(1) by striking “The Secretary” and inserting:

    “(A) The Secretary”;

(2) by striking “, at a cost of $10.00,”;

(3) by striking “shall be valid for the lifetime of the pass holder.” and inserting the following: “shall be available—

“(i) for a period of 12 months from the date of the issuance, at a cost of $20; and

“(ii) for the lifetime of the passholder, at a cost equal to the cost of the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass purchased under subsection (a).”; and

(4) by adding at the end the following:

    “(B) The Secretary shall issue a pass under subparagraph (A)(ii), for no additional cost, to any individual who provides evidence, under policies and guidelines determined by the Secretary, that the individual has purchased a pass under subparagraph (A)(i) for each of the 4 years prior to being issued a pass under this subparagraph.”.

Here is a link to the full bill: https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/4680/text

Wow! Gotta love legalese. My translation: The pass will cost $20 per year. IF you can show sufficient proof that you paid $20 each of 4 consecutive years (having then paid $80), you get a lifetime pass and don't have to pay anymore.

Disclaimer: Above statement in no way implies inside knowledge or even accurate knowledge of the workings of political minds. Translations made were "best effort" and in no way should be construed to be word of law. Respondent is not liable for any direct or indirect injury, loss, stress, or mild or infinite confusion that may arise from use or attempted use of above statement."
John, Holly, and sometimes Chloe.
Travel Blog: Spiritofthewoods.net

*

Two Hams in a Can

  • *****
  • 248
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: December 20, 2016
  • Model: 2400 Sprinter
  • ModelYear: 2012 PC 2400 Sprinter
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Cherry
  • ExtColor: Rust
  • Location: Homewood, Il
Re: National Park Fees
« Reply #10 on: April 10, 2017, 10:40:23 am »
Gotta love legalese. My translation: The pass will cost $20 per year. IF you can show sufficient proof that you paid $20 each of 4 consecutive years (having then paid $80), you get a lifetime pass and don't have to pay anymore.

Disclaimer: Above statement in no way implies inside knowledge or even accurate knowledge of the workings of political minds. Translations made were "best effort" and in no way should be construed to be word of law. Respondent is not liable for any direct or indirect injury, loss, stress, or mild or infinite confusion that may arise from use or attempted use of above statement."


 roflol   :-D   :)(:
Jeff and Suzanne traveling with the Cocker Spaniel sisters, Scout & Sydney in Fawkes the Phoenix 
"What happens in vagueness stays in vagueness"

*

jfcaramagno

  • *****
  • 178
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: Feb. 16, 2015
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2014
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Cherry
  • ExtColor: Sunlit
  • Location: Northern California
Re: National Park Fees
« Reply #11 on: April 10, 2017, 04:34:29 pm »
I love your disclaimer.  roflol
John and Carol

*

TomHanlon

Re: National Park Fees
« Reply #12 on: April 10, 2017, 04:52:44 pm »
Holly, I think it maybe time for you to move out of the D.C. Area and all the political crap. 
I must say, it gave me a h*ll of a laugh.

*

Ron Dittmer

  • *******
  • 5647
  • Ron and Irene
    • View Profile
    • My 2007 2350 Phoenix Cruiser
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: June 2007
  • Model: 2350 Ford
  • ModelYear: 2007
  • Slide: No
  • IntColor: Cherry Green&Gray
  • ExtColor: Full Body Gray
  • Location: N/E Illinois
Re: National Park Fees
« Reply #13 on: April 10, 2017, 08:41:35 pm »
Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

*

2 Frazzled

  • *******
  • 1434
    • View Profile
    • Spirit of the Woods
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: May 2013
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2013
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Sunlit & Cherry
  • ExtColor: Sunlit
  • Location: On the road full time (prev. Maryland)
Re: National Park Fees
« Reply #14 on: April 11, 2017, 07:43:45 am »
Holly, I think it maybe time for you to move out of the D.C. Area and all the political crap. 

I TOTALLY agree!
John, Holly, and sometimes Chloe.
Travel Blog: Spiritofthewoods.net