In addition, vehicles bearing a handicapped license plate, placard or a disabled veteran plate are allowed in free of charge to day use areas. In the Fall of 1999, the Executive Office for Administration and Finance announced new State Forest and Park camping rates for the 2000 camping season. The rate increase supports a recent legislative initiative, the Second Century Fund, a fund dedicated to enhancing the quality of services and facilities in Massachusetts State Forests and Parks. Additional revenues generated at DEM campgrounds will be deposited to the Second Century Fund, then reinvested in DEM facilities for a range of improvements including increased maintenance and security services. The new camping rate structure positions Massachusetts state campgrounds at the median of comparable public camping opportunities in the Northeast.
Many states charge significantly more than the new rates, others charge less.
It is equally important to note that Massachusetts residents will actually pay less for their campsite than in 1989 when camping rates were higher than those established for the 2000 season. The Massachusetts resident discount reflects the additional support Massachusetts taxpayers provide to State Forests and Parks through their tax payments. These higher rates reflect the higher costs associated with delivering camping services at these unique coastal facilities. DEM regrets any inconvenience the new camping rate structure may present to our camping customers. We are confident that most customers will find their investment in the Second Century Fund and our State Forests and Parks to be a good value.