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Parks senior pass cost to increase

WASHINGTON — In order to meet requirements set by legislation passed by Congress in December 2016, the price of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass will increase from $10 to $80, according to a release from the National Park Service.

The change will take effect Aug, 28. Pass holders are given lifetime access to more than 2,000 sites and parks. The fee increase will support critical investments in maintenance projects at national parks and federal recreational lands nationwide.

The Senior Pass has cost $10 since 1994. Until Aug. 28, U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are 62 years or older can purchase the lifetime Senior Pass for $10. Previously purchased lifetime Golden Age or Senior Passes will be honored for the lifetime of the pass holder.

The Senior Pass can be used at sites managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Funds from passes are used to enhance the visitor experience and support priority projects and programs.

The pass can be purchased for $10 before Aug. 28 at a national park or other Federal recreation area that charges an entrance fee. The pass can also be obtained by mail or online, for $10 before Aug. 28 but there will be an additional $10 charge for processing, for a total of $20. Due to expected high order volume, there could be delays with online and mail order processing of up to several months.

The legislation requires that the price of the lifetime Senior Pass be the same as the general Annual Pass, which is currently $80. The legislation also introduces a new annual Senior Pass that can be purchased for $20. Seniors who purchase annual Senior Passes for four years can trade them in for a lifetime Senior Pass at no additional charge.

The Senior Pass covers all entrance fees and may provide senior discounts for things such as tours or campsites. The pass also waives the entrance fee for traveling companions. At per-vehicle fee sites, the pass admits the owner and all passengers in a noncommercial vehicle. At a per-person fee site, the pass admits the pass owner and three other adults. Children under 16 are always admitted free.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov

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