National Park Service CUA program
Dear Tourism Industry Partner,
Today(Oct 24) the National Park Service (NPS) is releasing proposals to establish seasonal pricing on entry fees at 17 national parks, to standardize commercial use authorization fee requirements, and to increase the price commercial operators pay for park entrance. Revenue increases from these proposals would be used to improve visitor services with an emphasis on a growing backlog of maintenance projects. These important proposals are open for review and comment at the links below, and I hope you will take the time to study them and provide feedback. Additional information is also available via press release.
In 2016, the National Park Service commemorated our 100th birthday, and the tourism industry celebrated with us. We counted a record 331 million recreation visits as Americans and international travelers explored the most treasured and inspiring natural places and historical and cultural sites in the United States.
Celebration aside, the National Park Service faces challenges in maintaining the quality and integrity of visitor centers, trails, campgrounds, and other facilities. Our maintenance backlog has grown to nearly $12 billion, and you have seen that aging facilities paired with increasing visitation can result in a less-than-ideal visitor experience. This situation also prevents the National Park Service from making significant investments in the types of modern facilities and services travelers expect.
After careful consideration of a range of options, and with the support of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, the National Park Service is proposing to adjust visitor park entry fees by adopting seasonal pricing at a select group of parks beginning in 2018. Complete details of the proposal can be found at our public comment website. The deadline for submitting comments is December 22, 2017.
The National Park Service is also proposing several changes for commercial tour operators. First, the commercial tour entry fee schedule would increase for the first time since implementation in 1998. Secondly, commercial tour entry fees would seasonally increase at the same select group of parks. Finally, application requirements and management fees for commercial use authorizations (CUAs) for road-based commercial tours would be standardized at all parks. All fee changes for commercial tour operators, with the exception of a CUA application fee, would come into effect following an implementation period in order to allow time for pricing adjustments. Complete details of the proposal can be found at our public comment website as well, and the deadline for submitting comments is November 23, 2017.
The travel and tourism industry plays a critical role in connecting travelers to the parks and delivering high-quality experiences, creating memories that last a lifetime. I want to again encourage you to review and comment on these proposals and to share this information with your members and affiliates.
Thank you for your engagement and support as we work together to welcome park visitors while conserving these special places for future generations.
Donald Leadbetter
Tourism Program Manager
National Park Service
Public comments on the proposed seasonal entry fees for visitors will be accepted October 24, 2017 to December 22, 2017 on the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/proposedpeakseasonfeerates.
Public comments on the proposed CUA requirements, CUA fees, and commercial entrance fees will be accepted October 24, 2017 to November 23, 2017 on the NPS PEPC website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/commercialtourrequirements.
Written comments for both proposals may be mailed to: National Park Service, Recreation Fee Program, 1849 C Street NW, Mail Stop 2346, Washington, DC 20240
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