Canoeing across Tobin Bay at Isle Royale National Park/David and Kay Scott file photo

As national parks across the country consider fee increases to align with guidelines set last year by the National Park Service, changes proposed at Isle Royale National Park would raise the cost of entrance but also honor federal recreation passes that currently aren’t accepted.

The Michigan park’s proposal, which changes the daily user fee to an entrance fee structure more common at national parks, is open for public comment through Sept. 30.

Since 1997, Isle Royale has charged a $4 per person daily user fee. Under the new plan, that will change to a $7 per person entrance fee good for one day. In addition, the annual pass will increase from $50 to $60 but include up to three people entering with the passholder, as is consistent with other federal recreation passes. The $150 annual boat rider pass, which currently covers the operator and all passengers in a private boat for the year, will be discontinued. As the $60 annual park pass will include up to four people, the annual boater pass will no longer be needed.

In a change for the park, it will also honor all federal recreation passes (annual, senior, access, military, volunteer). To be consistent with Park Service fee collection policy, children ages 15 and under will be exempt from paying fees (currently, children 11 and under are exempt).

All fees collected are primarily used for trail and dock maintenance projects in the park. The proposed fee change would take effect when Isle Royale reopens next year, currently scheduled for April 16, 2017.

To comment

• Deadline: Sept. 30, 2016
• Online: www.parkplanning.nps.gov/ISROfees
• In person: At one of the park’s visitor centers