Increased Entrance fees for Mt. Rainier Nat' Park

I'm using a different computer now, but I copied the MRNP link at NWhikers and this computer would not let me paste it here!

Go to page 1 of the NWhikers thread to find the link at MRNP for comments and a synopsis of the reasons for the increase.

This will hurt the poor for sure, but the parks are inadequately funded.

www.nps.gov/mora/parknews/proposed-fee-increases.htm

The link in the press release for comments, however, doesn't work on my computer.

Proposed rate for Rainier 7-day (aka the day pass) is $25, not $30.

A $25 entry fee will do an even better job at keeping the voting public away from the alpine wilderness.

I will say, I do agree with this as far as respecting the land is concerned.

If the passes are to be treated like commodities, then the wilderness is worth 50$/year.

Corporate logos suck.

I will say, I do agree with this as far as respecting the land is concerned.

If the passes are to be treated like commodities, then the wilderness is worth 50$/year.

Corporate logos suck.

Sorry, I can't follow the logic here. I have no opinion on the fee increase; my opinion will rest totally on the services provided. "Respecting the land" is independent of "bowing to management." "If passes are to be treated like commodities" ??? sold on the commodity exchanges? Passes are unlimited in number and the number is only determined by demand. Note there is practically no management in wilderness; so how is that related to passes for entry on roads? "Corporate logos suck"--that is a disconnect for me.

IMHO, entry fees are being increased >60% even tho real wages of the vast majority of the public and those paid to NPS employees have not increased much. Gas prices are actually dropping. More volunteer hours than ever are being exerted in the park; the Washington Trails Association is doing a major part of the trail work that is supposed to be done by the park; that is why I joined the WTA--to pay my dues. Climbing fees have increased as have concessionaire fees/payment in kind. So what is going on? Certainly appropriations for the park have fallen. But the military has grown. So are we expected to pay more for entrance fees to underwrite overseas adventurism? Or to compensate for reduced taxes by the rich and corporations (lowest real taxes in the developed world)? Or are we paying for unfunded mandates from Congress or, more importantly, from internal park deliberations. We will never know because there is no transperancy in the park budget.

I think they are asking for more income to maintain what we have. I haven't seen the numbers. The proposed increases don't seem a hardship. As long as my $10 lifetime senior pass stays.

Appropriations are unlikely to increase with the new Congress

Ya think??? >

I guess i should clarify.
I'm saying i'll pay 50$ to visit a great place.
Higher prices, less people, less development, more sustainability.
I have no political speculations, i give very few shits.