US President Donald Trump’s administration is set to increase entry fees for some of the country’s most popular national parks.
Under the proposals the US National Park Service is set to nearly triple some entry prices during peak season for iconic destinations such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Yellowstone.
Fees at 17 of the country’s most popular parks could rise from the current $25 per vehicle to $70 from May 1, 2018. Those visiting on foot or bicycle would see entry increased from $15 to $30 under the plan.
Ryan Zinke, US secretary of the interior, said that the increase in fees was necessary to renovate and restore the “aging” infrastructure of the national parks.
“Targeted fee increases at some of our most-visited parks will help ensure that they are protected and preserved in perpetuity and that visitors enjoy a world-class experience that mirrors the amazing destinations they are visiting,” he said.
“We need to have the vision to look at the future of our parks and take action in order to ensure that our grandkids’ grandkids will have the same if not better experience than we have today. Shoring up our parks’ aging infrastructure will do that.”
The affected national parks will include Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Denali, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Olympic, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion.
If the proposed fee increase goes ahead, it will raise an extra $70 million per year for the National Park Service.