FRESNO (KMJ) — It is feared a proposed increase to entrance fees at Yosemite National Park, as well as 16 other popular sites throughout the country, could impede future climbers.
The National Park Service is considering upping the price during peak season, from the current $25 to $30 for a single vehicle weekly pass, to $70.
“To become a good climber you’ve got to devote a lot of time to it, so you’ve got to be willing to live on basically next to nothing.” explained President and founder of the Yosemite Climbing Association Ken Yager.
“That’s going to be hard to do with the increases.”
The National Park Service said in a statement (click here to read) that the rise would help pay for badly needed improvements such as repairs to bridges, roads, campgrounds, waterlines, bathrooms, and other visitor services. Officials reveal $12 billion of deferred maintenance programs is prompting the move.
“Now if they were increase the campsites, that’s going to change things too,” revealed Yager. “It already has. There’s always been a problem with climbers with out of bounds camping and that kind of thing and a lot of has to do with the money.
“They can’t afford to pay for a campsite, or get one for that matter either, with as many people as we have visiting. I think Yosemite has a few less visitors it’s probably going to be good for it but I would like Yosemite to be available to all income levels and all citizens and all people.
“Not just people that can afford it.”
The federal government hopes it would raise an extra $70 million. The proposed change would also impact Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
A final decision is yet to be made. A public comment period is now in operation and a link to the online questionnaire can be found clicking here.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
