OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK – Olympic National Park is seeking public comment about proposed increases in user fees that would include a $20 per year rise in the annual park pass.
The changes would take effect in January 2009.
The annual pass, now $30, would cost $50 under the plan, and other fees would also increase throughout the National Park Service system.
“Since 1997, we have used $12.5 million in fee revenue to complete dozens of projects to benefit visitors and resources at Olympic,” said park Superintendent Bill Laitner in a press release.
“We are very interested now in hearing what our visitors and neighbors think about proposed fee increases at the park.”
Proposed changes and increases are:
Overnight charges would range from $12 to $20.
A $12 overnight fee is proposed for Deer Park, North Fork Quinault and South Beach.
A $14 fee is planned for Altair, Elwha, Fairholme, Ozette, Graves Creek, Heart O’ the Hills, Hoh, Mora and Staircase.
A $16 fee is set for Kalaloch, except in the summer, Sol Duc and the Hoh campground reservation loop.
A $20 fee is planned for Kalaloch from June 22 through Sept. 3.
An additional change is proposed at the Hoh campground, where one camping loop could be added to the reservation system.
Public input is invited about this proposal, regarding which loop should be added to the reservation system.
