These $10 Lifetime National Parks Passes For Seniors Are About To Get 8 Times More Expensive

[mahatmakanejeeves]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by muriel_volestrangler (a host of the Latest Breaking News forum).

Source: LAist.com, via DCist.com

These $10 Lifetime National Parks Passes For Seniors Are About To Get 8 Times More Expensive

BY ANNIE LLOYD IN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AUG 25, 2017 10:05 AM

ver since 1994, senior citizens over 62 years of age have been able to buy a lifetime National Parks pass for only $10. Because of legislation passed in December 2016, however, that price is about to go up eightfold to $80, starting August 28.

Passes are obtainable one of three ways: in person at one of the participating parks, with a mail-in application (postmarked by August 28, of course), or an online application completed by the 28th. The mail-in and online applications include an extra $10 service fee, bringing the total price to $20. Still a far cry from the future $80 price.

The price hike is a component of the National Park Service Centennial Act, which was passed at the end of Obama's administration, and is dedicated to improving park infrastructure.

As a result of the legislation, NPS has seen a massive increase in demand for these passes. They've seen 250,000 requests in 2017, according to the Washington Post, (1) compared to 33,000 in 2016.

(1) https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/huge-demand-for-seniors-lifetime-national-park-passes-ahead-of-700-percent-fee-hike/2017/08/18/9498234e-8453-11e7-b359-15a3617c767b_story.html

Read more: http://laist.com/2017/08/25/lifetime_national_parks_pass_seniors.php

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There was a thread about this hear in the spring. That's when I hustled over to the local NPS office to get mine.

You don't have long.

ETA: here's the thread:

Buy your $10 lifetime National Park Senior Pass before it's too late

[hlthe2b]

1. It is really shitty that it is going up that much.. Even 4x sounds somewhat reasonble, but 8x?

[Exultant Democracy]

14. It last forever, everyone else pays that for a pass each year. Still a great deal.

[Purveyor]

2. It should. If anyone should get a break it should be the under 25 crowd with children. eom

[WhiteTara]

3. Thanks for the reminder!

[ghostsinthemachine]

4. Thanks, totally forgot too

On my way shortly. Just turned 62.

[klook]

5. "The price hike...is dedicated to improving park infrastructure."

I don't mind paying extra to support these projects. The National Park Service needs all the help it can get.

For those who are cash strapped, I say go ahead and get the cheap passes while you can. For those who can afford it, $80 for a lifetime pass to all U.S. national parks is still a hell of a deal. And you can still get a senior annual pass for $20.

On December 10, 2016, Congress passed the National Park Service Centennial Act, and the President signed it into law on December 16, 2016.

“On behalf of the National Park Service, I extend my gratitude to Congress and President Obama for passing and signing the National Park Service Centennial Act.

This bipartisan legislation, which was developed and passed with the support of national park partners and champions, including the National Park Foundation and the National Parks Conservation Association, gives the National Park Service the authorities and mandates that will help us continue our mission in to our next century of service.

All in all, this is a very good bill for the NPS and I’m proud that we are starting off our agency’s second century on such an uplifting note.”
-- Jonathan B. Jarvis, Director, National Park Service, 2009-2017
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/centennial/nps-centennial-act.htm

As passed by the House, the legislation increases the price of a lifetime pass for senior citizens 62 and older to $80 from its current $10 lifetime fee. Seniors who don't want to pay the $80 could purchase an annual pass for $20.

Park Service staff estimate that the increase in the cost of a senior pass would generate $20 million a year.
https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2016/12/senate-passes-national-park-service-centennial-act-adjourning

[rzemanfl]

6. I have mine. If I can just remember where it is.... On edit

Found it!!!!!

[aquamarina]

7. Looks like the price is going up on Monday August 28th

https://store.usgs.gov/senior-pass

[Grammy23]

8. My husband and I got ours when we became eligible. Never regretted getting them

and they were a bargain at $10 bucks. We have used them multiple times at the Gulf Islands National Seashore (a 20 -30 minute drive from home) to access Fort Pickens and the campground that is there. We have taken our son, DIL and grandchildren there for camping and exploring the island more times than I could count. Well worth the initial investment since we've never paid a dime to enter since then. Camping fees are extra but still a bargain.

Even at $80 (which sucks, by the way), it will be worth it! The regular entrance fees for those not using passes will be pretty hefty. Granted, they are good for 7 days, but it might be enough to keep some people from going to the National Parks. So if you are eligible for a pass, I strongly urge you to get one especially if you anticipate travel to the national parks or seashores.

[Stargazer99]

9. If you think this is bad the present administration wants to sell our parks to foreigners

During the 50's that was illegal to let foreign enitities or persons buy or own American assets-who in the hell profited by changing this value? See how the rich sell you down the river?

[airplaneman]

10. Just got mine - I was so excited -It will save me $80 the first year and I am just

getting started. Cant wait for full time retirement in 3 or 5 years.
I love our public lands - It depresses me thinking some of it may get privatized.
A good way to understand the difference. You are welcome to use public lands.
If privatized the private owner can shoot to kill anyone on his land.
-Airplane

[dhill926]

11. thanks for the reminder....

done...

[padfun]

12. Handicap Passes are lifetime and still FREE

If you qualify as handicap, and you only need to sign a form saying what your handicap is, then you can get one quickly.

[Marthe48]

13. I support the NPS

Some of their employees were the first to defy tangerine. I went a couple weeks ago and paid $10.00 for my pass, and added a $50.00 donation, which will be used locally in Ohio. Kasuck has been selling off our state parks to timber and mineral companies.

[Exultant Democracy]

15. Don't be in a hurry if you got the cash to spare. One of the best ways to spend $80 imho.

[ThoughtCriminal]

16. Still worth it

I'm 59 so I can't take advantage of the $10 deal, but would gladly pay $80.

I buy the "America the Beautiful" Inter-agency pass each year for $80 and consider that a bargain.

[SCVDem]

17. I just received mine.

It took three months.

[muriel_volestrangler]

18. Locking - not breaking news

As the link to the Washington Post shows, this has been known about for some time. Please repost in GD. Thanks.