If you want to increase visitation to an attraction, do you raise the entrance fee? Logic would tell you, 'No.'
That's the feeling a congressman from Oregon has. And Rep. Peter DeFazio thinks the National Park Service will make a big mistake if it goes forward with its plan to double Crater Lake National Park's entrance fee from $10 to $20.
While the Democrat in general opposes fee increases being implemented at parks across the country, he's particularly upset with the Crater Lake situation, especially since that park has seen steady visitation for a decade. That steadiness, park officials admit, is due to return visits by Oregonians.
“It doesn’t make sense to increase park fees
while national parks are struggling to attract visitors,” says DeFazio.
“I am concerned that the increase in fees at Crater Lake will
discourage regular visits by Oregon families."
As for the rest of the national park system, the congressman believes funding solutions need to come from the federal government, not from visitors.
"I agree that the
national park system is in need of additional funding, but raising fees
for park visitors will only drive visitors away. Instead, the
Department of the Interior should raise the money it needs to improve
the park system by collecting the royalties that oil companies owe the
United States,” he says.
Now what we need is more congress-folk who share DeFazio's mindset.
Congressman Opposes Parks Fee Hike
Add comment
Support Journalism about National Parks!
National Parks Traveler is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
The Essential RVing Guide
The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.
This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.
You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.
So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.
Comments