The NPCA is also concerned that the new entry fees are not yet entirely fair. Some places, like Grand Canyon, charge large fees for special uses such as backcountry hiking permits and rafting, which can discourage lower-income people. Empowerment in Pivotal Times Tim Stone, who until six months ago supervised the fee program in Washington, sees this as a pivotal time for parks. Enabling parks to keep 80 percent of their own fees empowers them in contrast with the old system of getting a fixed budget from Congress. Talk to any park manager and they will tell you this is the first time in memory they have had some real money to spend above and beyond salaries.
Many groups say increased fees are keeping people with lower incomes out of the parks.
This is working well, but it is still not clear whether it will be made permanent. We need to make sure people are aware of the new amenities they are getting. The Christian Science Monitor. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.