Bill would limit fees on public lands

It may cost less to enter America’s public lands, except for national parks, if a bill introduced last December makes its way through the U.S. Congress without considerable overhaul.

No major action has been taken on S2438, the Fee Repeal and Expanded Access Act, which was introduced Dec. 10, 2007. But if approved, the bill would repeal the Federal Lands Recreation Act and restore free public access to federal public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation.

S2438 would allow the National Park Service to continue charging entrance fees, with a cap of $25 per vehicle. User fees for use of developed campgrounds and expanded amenities on public lands would still be applicable.

The bill also would reinstate the National Parks and Golden Eagle annual passes. The National Parks Pass cost $50 and was good for unlimited admission at all U.S. national parks that charged entrance fees. For an additional $15, a Golden Eagle hologram could be purchased and affixed to a National Parks Pass to cover entrance fees at national parks and other public land agencies.

The America the Beautiful — National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass was introduced in January 2007, replacing the Golden Eagle and National Parks passes. It costs $80 per year and allows entry into all federal areas, including national parks, national wildlife refuges, and more. The pass applies to locations that currently have entrance or standard amenity fees.

S2438 was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Dec. 10.

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