National Park Service proposes entrance fee hikes for 2018

Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The National Park Service said Tuesday it's considering increasing entrance and tour fees at 17 of the United States' national parks next year to address a maintenance backlog.

The NPS said the hikes would generate needed revenue to improve the parks' infrastructure -- such as improvements to roads, bridges, campgrounds, waterlines and bathrooms.

Officials said the price increases would be implemented at some of the country's most popular national parks, including Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Yosemite and Yellowstone.

"The infrastructure of our national parks is aging and in need of renovation and restoration," U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said in a statement. "Targeted fee increases at some of our most-visited parks will help ensure that they are protected and preserved in perpetuity and that visitors enjoy a world-class experience that mirrors the amazing destinations they are visiting.

"We need to have the vision to look at the future of our parks and take action in order to ensure that our grandkids' grandkids will have the same if not better experience than we have today."

Under the proposal, peak season entrance fees will be increased to $70 per private, non-commercial vehicle, $50 per motorcycle, and $30 per person on bike or foot. Annual passes will cost $75.

The NPS estimates the hikes will increase revenue by $70 million per year.

A public comment period on the matter began Tuesday and will run through Nov. 23.

"We expect a variety of comments on the proposal because people love national parks," National Park Service spokesman Jeffrey Olson told The Denver Post. "We see lots of initial comments on social media platforms, but we're looking for more than that. We encourage people to read the proposal closely and to comment on it within the next 30 days."

The proposal would raise fees at Acadia, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Denali, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Joshua Tree, Mount Rainier, Olympic, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Shenandoah, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion National Parks.