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National Parks Discount Passes National Parks Discounts Recently, there have been some proposed changes to the discounts available at National Parks, Monuments and historic sites, so we thought it would be a good idea to provide details for all of the pass programs and how the changes could affect you, since visiting these areas can be a great way to vacation without spending lots of money. In December of 2009, the U.S. Forest Service proposed shrinking the discounts for seniors and people with disabilities form 50% to 10% at campgrounds and other public land recreation facilities operated by private companies. The changes would not apply to campgrounds and other facilities run directly by the Forest Service, but there are not too many of those left. According to agency figures, private companies now control 82 percent of the reservable camping spots in about 4,700 campgrounds nationwide. Forest Service representatives argued that the change is necessary to keep concessionaires from raising fees for other campground users and ensure access stays fair for all Americans. The Forest Service said it may be some time before a decision is made. It does not look like the fees for the Annul and Lifetime passes will be affected, just the discounts pass holders receive when visiting National Parks, Monuments and historic sites. National Parks Discount Passes The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass series, which includes the following agencies; National Park Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture – Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation, collectively known as the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, is shown below with a brief explanation of each. America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires. America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass This pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. (Children under 16 are admitted free) The pass can be obtained in person at the park, by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1, or via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass. America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by a Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Access Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires. America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass This pass is for volunteers acquiring 500 service hours on a cumulative basis. It provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of award. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). Former pass program passes: Golden Eagle Passport and National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle Hologram Golden Age Passport Golden Access Passport All National Parks Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes. This information and more is available at the National Parks web site located at: http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm. © SeniorDiscounts
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