Will a higher proposed entrance fee at Yosemite make the Park evenless accessible to low-income or minority visitors?
For most residents of Central California, Yosemite is an affordable destination despite occasional times of high gas prices that can stress tight budgets for those driving long distances. But especially for lower income families, a visit to Yosemite Par
k becomes even less realistic if a high entrance fee adds to the expense of driving from Lodi, Stockton, Modesto, or other distant locations.
On October 20th Yosemite National Park officials announced a proposal to increase entrance fees at the Park. If the plan ends up being approved, a vehicle entering the Park would pay $30 instead of the current $20 fee. Increases would also be applied to entrance fees for individuals and for those arriving on motorcycles, as well as for annual passes and for fees at Park campgrounds.
The Park Service uses inflation to justify the proposed fee increases, explaining that entrance fees have not increased for Yosemite since 1997. They also justify the higher fees because the increased dollars would be spent to enhance visitor services, repair rehabilitate service buildings, and other Park needs.
CSERC’s perspective is that due to the high costs for lodging and food in the Park, Yosemite is already more receptive to the “haves” than the “have nots.” Increasing the rate to $30 a car is a substantial cost for a family on a budget, and could result in far fewer visits from those who may barely be able to afford a visit to Yosemite. If national parks and wild areas are going to keep the political support of the average citizen, they need to be visited so that citizens are familiar with the reasons public lands are precious.
CSERC supports a middle ground option to the fee increase that can reduce the impact for low-income families. CSERC urges the Park to limit the new fee for vehicles to only $25, rather than $30. A $5 increase will provide the Park with revenue, but it is less likely to discourage a budget-constricted family from a trip to Yosemite. CSERC accepts as reasonable the other fee increases proposed for individuals and motorcycles, as well as for campsites in the Park. (To learn more details about the various fee increases, visit CSERC’s website at www.cserc.org and look under “Latest News.”)
Public comments on the plan are due by November 20, 2014. E-mail your comments to: [email protected]
Use this subject heading: Attention – Proposed Fee Increase.
Or comment by mail to:
Superintendant
Attn: Proposed Fee Increase
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389