As U.S. citizens we have already paid taxes for professional management of our public lands. Once fees are implemented, history shows they increase over time. National Parks, double in one year. We believe it is the right of all Americans to have free access to these lands, not the right of only those who can afford to pay fees. We believe it is unlikely that the fee program will benefit public lands.
History shows fees returning to the general fund once fee program is established.
Despite claims that that money will return to the site where it was collected, Congress historically cuts the agency's operating budget by the same amount as the amount of fee money returning to the site. We believe that Congress should re-evaluate its priorities and allocate sufficient funds for the proper management of these cherished resources, held dear to all Americans. While the petition leaves the home address, city, and zip code fields optional, it is highly recommended that you fill in these fields. Your signature will carry more weight with your elected officials if you do so. The Petition Against User Fees On Public Lands Petition to President George W. Bush was created by Free Our Forests and written by Michael Zierhut .