Climbing fee increase proposed

The Seattle public meeting is tonight:

Tuesday, December 7: Seattle, WA
Seattle Mountaineers Building
7:00pm-9:00pm
7700 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115

Would anyone here who attended the Tacoma meeting last week care to comment about it?

After reading through the extensive information at www.nps.gov/mora/parkmgmt/climbingfee.htm , I've softened my anti-increase feelings somewhat. There clearly is a need for additional revenue to support the climbing program with an adequate level of staffing (which they were often unable to do this year and last), given that fees have not increased since 2003, but salary and other costs have increased steadily with inflation.

But my main issue that I voiced above, that fee increases lead to more non-compliance and unregistered climbing, remains unaddressed and the NPS is clearly unaware of the extent of the problem, despite the death of an unregistered climber this June:

21. Will an increase in fee result in an increase in non-compliance of payment?

Non-compliance with the climbing Cost Recovery Fee is not currently a problem and the rate of non-compliance did not increase following the last fee increase in 2003.   While there will always be occurrences of non-compliance with any requirement, this level is expected to remain negligible.  Overall, the climbing Cost Recovery Fee seems to be a non-issue with the great majority of climbers, as virtually no complaints about the fee have been received since it was instituted.  The fee is used for programs and services that directly benefit climbers, the climbing experience and the upper mountain.

Clearly they have their heads in the sand if they think the rate of non-compliance is currently "negligible". Perhaps that's good for those climbing without paying, since if the NPS thinks there's no problem, then there will be no attempts at extra enforcement -- but overall it's not good for anybody, because when a major accident occurs like the avalanche on June 5, 2010 , having unregistered, unaccounted-for climbers just adds to the confusion and hampers proper response and rescue.

There needs to be some way to encourage those who can ill-afford the fee to still register for their climb. Perhaps some sort of reduced fee (say $10-15) for those willing to sign a form stating that the fee constitutes a financial hardship. Obviously, guided climbers would not be eligible for the reduced fee, since they can afford the $950-1600 cost of a guided trip. This would shift a greater fraction of the fees onto guided climbers, for whom it does not matter -- the difference between a $30 and $58 fee is irrelevant when you're already paying $1000+. The NPS should find a way to double or triple the climbing fees (like $70-100) on guided climbers for whom it would just be rolled invisibly into the guide service's fee (they would never even see it or know), while not increasing fees for the general public.

By the way, the FAQ from which the the above quote #21 was taken appears to be unlinked/offline at the NPS site, but it is still available in its lengthy entirety on the climbing ranger blog at mountrainierclimbing.blogspot.com/2010/1...er-climbing-fee.html .  Lots of useful info.

The NPS should find a way to double or triple the climbing fees (like $70-100) on guided climbers for whom it would just be rolled invisibly into the guide service's fee

That seems a trifle harsh.

After all Superintendent Uberuaga had to go through all that pesky, almost being prosecuted, internal investigations into his non disclosure of financial arrangements with guiding companies and setting fire to Yosemite demotion to avoid exactly that kind of common sense - make franchised for profit outfits pay more - approach.

That seems a trifle harsh.

After all Superintendent Uberuaga had to go through all that pesky, almost being prosecuted, internal investigations into his non disclosure of financial arrangements with guiding companies and setting fire to Yosemite demotion to avoid exactly that kind of common sense - make franchised for profit outfits pay more - approach.

Well I'm sure if the guide fees were increased rather than the public's .....the Guide companies would make it all back on their next real estate transaction with the Park. Real estate profits for Guide company considerations.... isn't that the NPS way?

Just went to the meeting - 9 community members showed up to chat with 5 NPS staff (Stefan Lofgren, Dave Uberuaga, and Randy King were there, along with two more whose names I didn't catch). Amar and I were the only TAYers.

There were ~12 that showed up in Tacoma. There will be one more meeting in Ashford tomorrow night.

If you have any comments at all about the climbing fee increase, they are earnest in asking for community input. I was surprised to learn that the park isn't actually required to run these meetings. They really do want to know what you think.

rainierclimbingfee@nps.gov

If you have any comments at all about the climbing fee increase, they are earnest in asking for community input. I was surprised to learn that the park isn't actually required to run these meetings. They really do want to know what you think.

rainierclimbingfee@nps.gov

I just finished sending a rather lengthy email. I suggest those (especially those who have an opinion) who can't make the meetings send an email also.