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National park fees proposed to increase

Posted at 7:37 PM, Dec 09, 2014
and last updated 2014-12-09 21:37:08-05

SALT LAKE CITY -- The cost of visiting national parks in Utah is going up.

Zion, Capitol Reef, and Bryce Canyon National Parks all have plans to increase rates and soon Arches and Canyonlands are expected to as well.

The increases would also affect national monuments and historic sites, but the changes aren't set in stone, and there's still time for you to weigh in on it.

“If you want to use your lands, have a voice” said Britte Kirsch with the National Park Conservation Association. “Have a voice!”

The fees will vary from park-to-park, but most are planning to increase entrance and camping fees by $5 or $10, which in some cases is double what it is now.

“Nobody likes to pay more money, but I think everybody understands, I think people in Utah understand too that these parks are special places and the money we put into them helps up protect them and do important things,” said Park Superintendent  Jim Ireland, with Timpanogos Cave National Monument.

National Parks superintendents say they need those fees to provide services, educational programs and new facilities.

The parks are going to take input back to the National Park Service in Washington D.C. in time for Congress to look it over.

If the changes go through, fees will jump up by summer 2015.

MORE: Public comment sought for proposed fee increases at Zion National Park

See links to Utah parks below:

http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm

http://www.nps.gov/care/index.htm

http://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm

http://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm

http://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm