The National Park Service is proposing an increase for the entrance fee to Devils Tower National Monument. The fee increase would bring the site in compliance with regulations, according to the National Park Service.
In a press release posted last week, the National Park Service says that, if approved, the fee increase would be the second since January of 2017. At that time, after civic engagement and receiving public support, Devils Tower National Monument raised entrance fees to the “Fee Model Group #1” level of the National Park Service. Currently those prices are $30 for an annual pass, $15 per vehicle, $7 per person, $10 per motorcycle.
In May of this year, the NPS received direction that all parks not aligned with their designated fee group must begin civic engagement to raise fees to compliance by 2018. Devil’s Tower, like all national monuments, are considered in “Fee Model Group #2.” If approved, Fee Model Group #2 would have prices as $40 for an annual pass, $20 per vehicle, $10 per person, and $15 per motorcycle.
If approved, the entrance fees would be changed in January, 2018.
“Fee revenues are a critical fund source for Devils Tower,” the NPS said in a press release. “With eighty percent of fee revenues staying in the monument for visitor services and projects. The other twenty percent of fee revenues are distributed to parks that do not collect fees.”
The price will remain unchanged for the “American the Beautiful” National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass. Military and Access Passes will remain free and may be obtained at the monument entrance.
“We understand that no one likes fee increases, but this fee revenue is critical in funding a wider variety of visitor services, facility improvement projects, and resource protection efforts. We ask for public comment and support in taking this step in preserving a quality visitor experience at Devils Tower,” said Superintendent Tim Reid. Devils Tower National Monument is a strong economic engine for the surrounding area. In 2016, more than 498,000 park visitors contributed $39,646,100 in communities near the park and supported 500 jobs related to tourism.
Comments on the proposed fee increase can be submitted online, by email, or by mail to Devils Tower National Monument, PO Box 10, Devils Tower, WY 82714. Comments must be received or postmarked by midnight August 31, 2017 and may be made available to the public at any time. Comments will not be accepted by phone.