By Russ and Tiña De Maris
If you have a senior pass for the national parks, you could be in for surprises. Seniors already received an unwelcome surprise when lifetime passes for the over-62 set jumped from $10 to $80 a couple of years ago. Now a new recommendation may just cut big benefits to those who hold the America the Beautiful Pass.
The U.S. Department of Interior Department set up the Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee during former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s administration, prior to his removal from office. A subcommittee of that group – the Subcommittee on Recreation Enhancement Through Reorganization – is tasked with advising “the Secretary of the Interior on public–private partnerships across all public lands.”
The subcommittee recently came out with a laundry list of suggestions for the now-Secretary of Interior, David Bernhardt. Among them is one that would have a huge impact on senior park users. It reads: “Confirmation of current practices that 50% senior discounts offered to campers over the age of 62 (established by the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act) apply only to base campsite fees, and introduction of new senior fee blackout periods during peak season periods.”
Let’s take a little look at what’s being said here. The subcommittee is suggesting that to help parks deal with maintenance backlogs and to bring them up to a more modern state, seniors will have to bite the bullet. “Senior discounts … apply only to base campsite fees …”. At present, senior pass holders get a 50 percent discount on any campsite fees, not just “base” site fees. But look a little closer – the operative word is “only.” Under current practice, senior pass holders also get half-off discounts on things other than campground fees.
A federal government website says of the pass, “May provide a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services.” Those “specialized interpretive services” translate to guided tours, and may include transportation systems where fees are charged. So, if we interpret the thinking of the subcommittee, say goodbye to any discounts on upcharges on campsite fees. Say adios to discounts on special tours. No more discounts on park-service-provided transportation fees. So long to discounts for boat launch use and fees paid for swimming areas.
But what some will probably consider the most egregious jab at America’s seniors is the “introduction of new senior fee blackout periods during peak season periods.” Planning a summer camping trip in a national park? If the subcommittee’s suggestion is turned into practice, be ready to pay full-freight on your campsite. And don’t think the subcommittee’s ideas would stop at national park fence lines. The subcommittee writes, “The lessons learned with near-immediate operational changes in national parks can be then replicated for other Interior bureaus, including the Bureau of Land Management, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Reclamation and, cooperatively, on American Indian lands.”
Other suggestions which promote a greater involvement of private industry in park management and “enhancement” have been blasted by a variety of groups as things they say would shut out lower-income Americans from the nation’s parks. Just how Interior Secretary Bernhardt will receive these ideas is yet to be seen. But in these times of instability in nearly every human sphere, there could well be even more instability for park users in the offing.
##RVT918
I have no problem paying more for services in the National Parks provided the money stays in the park and doesn’t just end up in “general revenue”. They are woefully underfunded and many are in need of serious upgrades.
I have a problem paying more for something I already paid for and use. I bought it when it was 10.00 because I saw a good deal that promised a lot. I have a problem of getting a good deal and having gov’t cut the program after I purchased it. I have a problem with gov’t dealing my monies into other programs when the money was to stay in one program.
Another jab at those of us who worked all our life, and now to enjoy some of those benefits that are tying to go away! How about those who come from out of the country and clog up the parks? The parks system has money, they’re just getting greedy and don’t spend their funding appropriately, like allowing it to go into the general fund instead of direct use. Check out their grant funding! Gotta love Government!
Makes me want to give up on the good old American dream of RV’ing………
As one of those who you state “come from out of the country and clog up the parks”, I am offended by your attitude. Tourism IS the lifeblood of your parks. Without people traveling, whether from other countries or from within your own, the fees that the parks charge would go up exponentially. American seniors are not all poor and unable to afford the fees. Driving up in your coach that cost you well into the 6figures and then complaining that you have to pay a few dollars more is callous. And believe it or not, RVing isn’t only for Americans.
No RV’ing isn’t only for Americans, and when you travel in America you should pay more to support a system you haven’t invested a dime in, just as I when I visit your country wherever you are from.
We as Canadians spend all summer in America and some time in the winter, we get no breaks & expect no breaks, and are dam happy to get out of the reckless spend crazy tax crazy Canadian system. Your argument has zero merit my friend.
Hey Alvin, I know you meant the United States when you refer it as ” america” . That being said you guys up there have seemed to corner the market on taxes, and how to not afford liberties, we here in the United States of America enjoy. Simple things like freedom of speach, and the right to bear arms, have either Been taken away, or you were never guaranteed that under your form of government. I welcome all you Canadians to visit, you are the most congenial bunch that come here. And I know it doesn’t need to be said, but do stock up on booze before you head back, it’s only the right thing to do, to finish off a fine vacation!
I agree with Ran. In my opinion:
It appears that our biggest problem here has become foreign persons ( more like freeloaders who rape and abuse our lands and leave) and a government, at all levels, who don’t give a damn. Their only concern is profits in THEIR bank accounts. They really are the causes of all problems in this area. Not only has the middle class AMERICAN worked for these benefits of living here, they DESERVE IT! Period! Our government abuses the tax monies TAKEN from middle class AMERICANS. This is a wealthy country and all this can be avoided and our beautiful country can flourish again if the entire government was revamped with those who actually care. I say: look into seniors and volunteers running things. They wouldn’t be bound to the most money they can squeeze out of middle class Americans and would genuinely CARE about America and it’s American people. Just my opinion!
The little people get screwed as usual but just as long as the wealthy get what they want – who cares?
Elections do have consequences and unfortunately we all have to suffer for the ignorance and hate of the uniformed in this country.
The uniformed?
Congress keeps cutting the national park budget. There is now a $12 billion dollar shortfall for critical maintenance projects. The last government shutdown cost the parks $6 million in revenue and let’s not forget the big July 4th parade which cost the park $2.5 million. Of course we seniors who have worked all our lives to finally have time to enjoy this great treasure which is the national park system, will be doing so at a lot more cost. With my now fixed budget, that means less visits to these places.
Another point that galls me here in Canada, is that Indians under treaties signed one hundred and fifty years ago or thereabouts get into and use the Parks completely free, plus did you know they do not have to obtain passports, just flash the card at the border and on your way.
I just recently learned this while talking to a real nice Indian kid who lives on the Blackfeet Reserve in Montana, but works in a hardware store across the border in Alberta. Who knows this, Is it fair?
I don’t blame the Indian kid either, in fact he was one of the nicest people in retail I have met in a long time. He’s just taking advantage of a perk of the system he’s been grandfather into.
All good things come to an END! (SUX)
We all know where this is coming from. GET THEM OUT NOW!!!
Yep…the White House
The budget is controlled by the DEMOCRAT house and they have been too preoccupied for the last 4 years with overturning the election and NOT with doing the business of the people. Talk to your (bleeped by editor) representatives and get them to do their job!
And the Democrats have put bill after bill to the Senate for consideration and the proud person calling himself the “grim reaper” (Mitch) brags about killing every bill put forward by the House. And what proud thing got accomplished in the Senate? A 1 ½ trillion tax cut for the rich on a Huge national debt that should be paid down, not added to the little guy or our grandchildren to make the rich even richer.
Time to get the parks run by professionals and make a profit in order to up keep the parks.And lease out land for hotels and attractions for extra money to bring up the repairs and improvements that are so needed.
The question is who gets the “profit” money? If it is some CEO who already gets $500,000 to $MIllions then I do not approve. IMO this is just another money grab by people that want to benefit financially personally even if they are supposed to be providing a “service” to the public. Look at the results of the “Privatization” of the Indiana TPK. Increased fees less maintenance and now the state has to take it back and do all the maintenance that was supposed to be done by the “for-profit” company. Thank you, gov Pence.
The worst campgrounds we went to this summer were the campgrounds in national parks that were run by concessionaires. Dirty, poorly maintained, indifferent staff, and considerably more expensive than the ones run by the National Park Service. Hotels and restaurants in the national parks, also run by private companies, are similarly awful. The campgrounds we stayed in that were run by the NPS were basic, but clean, cheap, and well run.
Glad I got my pass for $10 just before it went to $80, I don’t like losing any amount of money but it’s easier to lose $10 than $80.
Appears to be another grab for our recreational dollars. The government wastes a lot more money than they will ever raise from taking it for us senior citizens living on a fixed income. Maybe they could cut congress’s salary and reduce their benefits to match their produtivity?
AMEN to that.
Now that’s the best idea yet!! Bravo!
We used our discount at Grand Canyon first time there. Then again on way back from L A. Since we have used it up and down East Coast. NOW that we are getting ready to really travel they want to limit what we paid for?? Not a HAPPY CAMPER
………….and you might be a very different camper in the future Marvin. In fact I can almost guarantee this to be so.
I’m glad we did our western National Park tour six years ago when I first retired. Now I don’t have to go to any of them. Been there, done that. Sad to say . . .
I qualified for the Lifetime Senior pass just last year. We stay almost exclusively at COA camp areas. I missed the golden age of the $10 pass, and coughed up $80. I rarely visit National Parks. But I use the heck out of COA. I feel like I am hearing a bait and switch. How do they define “base” camping sites? What is the extent of the planned “blackout” periods? I am smelling a class action opportunity here. I am not wealthy, and saw an opportunity to use in retirement an excellent outlet in half price camping. I will bide my time here until these are clarified.
MOCamper. What you’re smelling is there’s to dam many people for to few campsites, and those in control of them smelling more money to fund the snowflakes in their 250 K units all on credit calling the game, and being pandered to. I’m afraid the best days are behind us my friend.
Totally agree… breach of contract.
Seniors who have already have the pass should be grandfathered out of any new restrictions and fees.
After enjoying many of the National Parks the last several years we have one question? We have been at a number of parks that were very crowded when we were there, and the biggest percentage of the crowds were foreigners! Why instead of punishing US citizens that have payed for the parks don’t we charge more for the foreign visitors. If it wasn’t for the foreign visitors our usuage and maintenance fees I’m sure would drop with the way they overcrowd our systems.
Just our thought and opinion.
BINGO – Kent – same crap happening in Canada in our national and public funded Park systems. They arrive by the plane, train and bus loads in the tens of thousands every year every season, use the facilities, get lost in the mountains pay zero to be found or dug out of the snow, and safely put back on the plane in the direction they need to be going and pay absolutely zero except entrance fees like you and I..
That should change north and south of the 49th parallel.
Look no farther than Yellowstone Park for the massive amounts of Asians everywhere you try to go.
Go to the Taj Mahal and you will certainly pay as a foreigner. I believe it was about 750 rupees as opposed to locals who paid a single digit fee.
Kent, absolutely!!!
Bingo, give that man a cigar
What are you suggesting-make every visitor present a passport to be admitted? Have a customs official at each gate 24/7 to check them? Implement new software and hardware at each gate to verify the ID’s? Any idea how much that would cost to implement? Have you been to the DMV lately? How was it?
Soon there will be rifle toting, hobnailed jackboot wearing uniforms on all street corners asking “Your papers please”. You won’t be worrying about the cost. :-/
Stay cool
You left out the most critical item in the article. How & where can we go to express our opinion about these proposed changes. Is there a government site where we can leave comments?
Google search US Senator for _______ (your state). Then go to their website and email them something like this…
Dear Senator XXX,
I understand that the federal government is proposing changes in the National Parks system that reduces or eliminates the benefits to seniors who have purchased a “senior pass” to enter the parks. I am asking you to oppose any moves that eliminate this small but very precious perk to retired Americans. Please protect our senior pass benefits!
Thank You,
Your Name
Fred, I hope you are successful finding the place where you can go to “express” your “opinion”,- that’s where your efforts will end.
As you folks in America transition to a Socialist regime, like we have in Canada, and before your very eyes, you will find increasingly that you can have all the opinions you want, but somebody, most definitely an unelected person or body of persons you will never get to meet has made the decision for you, and your “opinion” is just that an opinion quickly deposited in the round file behind the big tall doors in a very large cozy building somewhere, where the decisions are made for you long before you caught wind of the why, how and where it affected you.
The people to voice your opinion about this is your state representatives in Congress! They are the ones that vote to accept or reject a proposed Federal spending budget.
Find out who recognizes the wrongness of it and vote .
At the polls. It’s called voting.
I am torn on this one. Government spending is out of control and human services are taking the priority over other cost. I personally would like to see National Parks free to all Americans but we know this is not possible. Rising annual cost of all services provided by Government are causing a situation like this and anyone that has operated a business knows there is a balance. We have become a society that depends on our Government to do everything for us. I am probably in a minority in my thinking but the national parks I visited last year were not enjoyable because of crowds. I didn’t work all of my life to stand in a line to see a site or fight for a position to take a decent picture. Let the people who use and abuse the parks pay the fees. BTW I have had my senior pass for 7 years and have used it many times. That pass is the most cost effective thing I have ever purchased!
Thumbs up!!!
We traveled to many of the national parks last summer with our grandchildren. Normally we travel to the parks out of season, so we were amazed at the crowds. Yellowstone was the worst, Grand Canyon a close second. We knew there would be crowds but it was awful. And I think people have become very stupid over the years. We will never visit during their high season again.
Just another bit of erosion of benefits promised. Sounds like an campaign stump speech.
This kind of thinking is short-sighted at best. Those traveling/camping spent lots of dollars, not just campsite dollars. Think gas/food/etc.. This potential poorly thought out recommendation will not save the National Park system. The lack/decimation of federal/state funding is what has brought about the ‘depressed’ state of the National Parks/State Parks systems. Even if this, very bad idea were to be initiated it would not provide even a ‘drip’ to the funding that is needed AND how does anyone know if the ‘dollars generated’ will even go into the correct funding system? And remember, due to the lack of funding provided to the Parks system, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, etc. almost all of their programs have been dependent on volunteers, un-paid volunteers (guides, trail maintenance, store clerks, etc.). Almost all of the jobs are undertaken by seniors. Imagine the loss of all these volunteers? Then remind yourself that all these volunteers are filling jobs that used to be and in many cases should be paid jobs because of severe cuts in funding. The amount of money the government saves due to the hours put in by volunteers (seniors) is staggering.
What the government appears to have forgotten is that they have cut funding to programs that were never intended to be supported by ‘public’ use dollars. But that is another story – that should be told.
Bottom line – seniors volunteers are the backbone of many ‘public’ programs – MANY. The government should not forget that, should recognize that and most important – don’t mess with seniors.
Thank you, I certainly agree. Seniors need to stand together to make our voices heard and for the seniors in the future. Maybe Rv Travel could start a dialogue with the members of the subcommittee and Secretary Bernhardt. Let’s band together.
That 50 billion for “The Wall” would do a fine job of fixing up our parks.
So no mention of the $116 billion spent on illegal immigration or the $4.11 trillion on government entitlement programs?
More like in excess of 300B on illegal immigration – and lets throw in the free housing and healthcare for them too. Courts keep short-stopping the administration at every turn, in this regard.
AGREED !
Sorry to say, the safty of our country out weighs everything else.
Don’t be sorry.
The only reason we have “illegal immigration” is that people are desperate to escape because of the corruption or cartels operating and killing family members. And why? Drugs! And who buys the drugs? People in the USA. Who then is responsible for this “run for their lives”? The USA. It is so easy to blame someone other than our selves. We are all immigrants that came to the USA from somewhere else. On another note on immigration – 10,000 baby boomers retire daily and have for about 10 years now. We need immigration to replace the retires to do the jobs and pay for OUR social security. It is about time for a wake-up in this country.
Sorry to disagree with you, but we do not need illegal immigration! You can not blame the USA for the conditions in the rest of the world.
The current political regime is continuing to erode the average American’s entitlements”’the right to life …liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Be careful what you ask for…you might just get it.
I have used my senior pass a few rimes. I really like 50% off the campsite fee and getting into the park for free. So I may have saved $200 by using the pass. In the scheme of things that amount of money is not even seen by politicians who are dealing with $millions on each bill or provision. What happens to the individual when he/she becomes a politician? Generally amnesia for the feelings of the individual and the hard earned dollars, not millions of $s. There is and always has been a basic flaw when it comes to what our benevolent care takers (politicians) see. Time for an eye exam!!!!!!
Well said, just hope that more people can report they the R better than the D on the chart!
Is anyone really surprised by this? It was inevitable.
I was under the impression that after the age of 65, having paid taxes for these amenities for 40 years or more, we earned this pass. They robbed our social security without penalty, now they are after our other earned and paid for benefits. I as well as other commenters ask for a good address to send our illustrations of dissent to the U.S. Department of the Interior.
I’ll put this real simple for all to understand. If ” we the people” dont get our spending under control, this little adjustment to the senior pass, will be the least of all your worries. You want fiscal responsibility, let’s have another wack at it, minus Paul Ryan.
You are fast approaching an intersection in this country and the road signs read; LEFT fiscal oblivion. RIGHT responsible smaller government. STRAIGHT, slow decent due to not paying atention.
look above for contact info
As usual any discussion regarding government brings on political party haters, from both sides. I don’t profess to be an expert on this topic, but as I recall the House of Representatives (D controlled) sets the budget for Departments. In the case of National Parks, it comes under the Department of Interior. Therefore the House sets a budget for DOI, then the President (R controlled) is left with managing the money. When there is a shortage of funding for DOI, that falls on the House. Once the Presidents people decide how to best use underfunded dollars that created this discussion on Senior Pass benefits, that is on the sitting President. At the end of the day, we the people, must decide which battles to fight. The House may have their reasons for under-funding DOI, but that isn’t on the President. If we want to complain, let your voices be heard where the problem begins, the House. Since the USA deficit continues to grow, the lack of funding for DOI is not due to the lack of funds, but how the House chooses winners and losers.
The budget process starts with the executive branch and is either approved by Congress or modified and sent back to the President. If the budget is not submitted by the executive branch or is not approved that is when the Congress must approve additional funds to operate the Federal government. The Interior Department is under discretionary spending and is not automatically paid. Mandatory spending is automatically paid by previous laws. I believe the Federal government operated without a budget for three or four years in a few years past so that is when cuts really come into play.
Not exactly. Your grasp of the system is impressive, but.. the period of time when their was no budget. (D controlled) there is a budget mechanism that automatically increases said spending, without action by the Congress in lieu of a passed, signed budget. Any adjustment to that automatic increase is in Washington swamp speak “a cut”. Lets explain; Simple math taught to grade schoolers says, if I give you an allowance of $1.00, and you don’t ask for more, next year, under the rules say you get $1.10. I, the parent (aka taxpayer) say, ya know, I think you hadn’t been keeping up your end, so I’m only giving you $1.05. You scream bloody murder, call the MSM and they broadcast the end of the world has arrived, women and children will not eat, heat their homes, blah, blah. Welcome to “baseline budgeting”, a creation of the swamp.
If you all don’t step to the plate and remove the swamp creatures in 2020, you havent seen anything yet.
I don’t see them as political haters, George. Just people who SEE what’s REALLY happening with our tax dollars. Being out here in the REAL world and seeing what’s happening around us is what’s really happening, leading to the frustrations of middle class Americans left to us by politicians. Just facts, George. Thank you for your input.
The budget is proposed by the Executive branch and debated in both houses of Congress. One house can propose something and the other house can counter. The result is a compromise. While DOI has been on the short end of the budget for years the reasons are complex and both branches are fully involved. (regardless of party affiliation)
I enjoyed the informative and measured responses. Robert C. I wasn’t condemning either side …. only those that spew out angry uninformed political rhetoric.
Here is a link to the list of the “private sector” committee members:
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-zinke-selects-members-newly-created-made-america-outdoor-recreation-advisory
This link is to the letter sent to the committee:
https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1892/upload/ORAC_Reorg_SC_letter_9-24-2019.pdf
This administration has chosen to take the letter down, just as they have done with so much other previously available information.
Department of Interior:
Email us at feedback@ios.doi.gov or use this feedback form. Rest assured, our email address and form go to actual human beings.
This is an interesting proposal that is very broad at best. If the ten recommendations were prioritized then changes to the Senior Pass in #7. That is a long way down the list. The proposal needs to be fleshed out. Which 5-10 parks? Why NPS and not BLM (think Quartzite). Improving NPS campgrounds? Sure but in most parks out west the current campgrounds are constrained by available land. MT, Rainier lost a whole campground due to flooding and a change in the river. Campgrounds would probably be put on land adjacent to the park in other public land, Food Trucks and mobile stores? Very intriguing. This might be the easiest proposal to enact as existing concessionaires could expand their business. Trucks would need to be closely monitored to make sure they have the ability to dispose of garbage and waste water, as well as power needs. Nobody wants to hear the drone of a generator at the park. All is workable and should be the result of intense negotiations. Everyone should direct their opinions and comments to the committee and their elected officials.
Guess we will be “locked out” of my national parks!🤬💔! We don’t have that kind of money to afford “full price” on something we paid for all our lives, thru taxes etc. sad!
Goodness. The ONLY change is half price camping may be suspended during high use black out dates. 😉
Come on, not use the beautiful National Parks for a few more bobbles.. Tho cost of doing business is always going up. You just all need to pay attention to which “side” likes to increase it faster, then vote the other one in. Think wacka- mole!
Don’t count on Bernhardt having a generous view towards those on fixed or limited incomes, or even toward the “socialistic” public service aspect of the national parks and other agencies setup to administer public lands for ALL the people. He comes from that economically privileged class of people who looks down on those common people who don’t have the “industry” or “discipline” to concentrate their ambitions on making tons of money and acquiring access to political power. For such people, land is a commodity that is best left to private industry to determine what the most appropriate use should be: i.e. extracting even more personal wealth…
Not surprised at all by this. Sickened, disheartened but not surprised. This country is now for sale and we Seniors who saved it for future generations can’t afford the price of admittance.
I have been a camp host for th4 eBLM for the last three years. In our campground, the Senior Pass is good for 1/2 off for the site and day-use fee if not camping. The electric is another $5 and not subject of 1/2 off as it is an extra amenity. Extras above the campsite fee are already not offered 1/2 off.
That’s a bummer! Got our $10.00 card a few years ago and now that we’re ready to start using it, poof it’s gone.
Did you even read the original memo (that hasn’t even been delivered to the committee yet? rofl)…says nothing about your card – only actual change mentioned is black out times for half price camping. That is hardly ‘poof, gone’. lol.
Gee maybe they should start charging foreigners a fee to get in instead of letting them visit our national parks for free…..oh wait that would be the smart thing to do, instead lets run with the dumbest idea and make sure that a person who has paid into their retirement for their whole working life not get to enjoy any of it and make them PAY through the nose for all this junk…
What a bunch of money grabbing thieves!!!
Tell us, please – where did you get the idea that “foreigners” get into our national parks for free, while everyone else pays, either through an admission fee or a park pass of one kind or another? Tell us if you can. I’m sure you can’t, of if you can cite *something* it’s probably one of the many unverified, unfiltered sources that run roughshod over the truth many times each minute throughout the day. It’s a shame for you that you believe lies without question as long as they suit your personal bias. If you vote we all bear the burden of someone incapable of shouldering their civic responsibility. But shame on you for repeating the lies. If I were you I would take as an authoritative source the Parks Service website. You won’t find anything there concerning free admission for anyone. Or do you think this is another one of those secret plots that “they” don’t want YOU to know about, that are so celebrated on the interwebs by conspiracy theorists? Do us all a favor: Get real.
Foreigners pay full price. What are you using for your information? Fox News?
I’ve been retired over 20 years, and enjoyed our Golden Age Passport all that time. The benefits have been stable and unchanged all the while other government bureaucracies have levied unconstitutional fees and charges and penalties and changed them at will. I think those who complain the least are targeted swiftly. I’m not man enough to pursue the same activities we’ve always enjoyed, but I can sure raise a stink about the betrayals of public faith that seem to be increasingly tossed at us by thoughtless and unaccountable bureaucrats . . .
The people you’re complaining about are not “bureaucrats”. They are political appointees. Zinke, together with an entire cadre of xxxx (bleeped by editor), was appointed by our current “Commander In Chief”. The “bureaucrats” are the ones who follow politicians’ orders and somehow manage to do all the tasks that keep the parks going, despite the shutdowns, tax cuts and budget busting committed by preening, bloviating self-promoters who somehow get elected by the benighted voters who seem to swallow every bit of garbage that floats to the top of the interweb coconut telegraph line, and completely mis-identify the source of their outrage when it comes time to vote.
Dude, we live in a republic. That means who ever wins the most electoral college votes wins, and gets to be the President for four years. Note: some knucleheads didnt read the constitution before the last election cycle.
Let’s look at the progress report at year three, shall we. 1. Lowest unemployment rate in 50ty years. Most Americans working in our 240 yr history. Highest tax revenue inflows into the government coffers EVER.
Now, here is the problem; Spending has increased faster than revenues. Government 101 states, the House of Representatives holds the purse strings, and proposes the budget, for approval to the Executive branch (aka The President) the President, when trying to control the spending of the house, get threatened that the government will be shut down, if He does not approve same. Then, the main stream media whips up the doomsday scenario for all the misinformed to play into, and we go round and round.
Solution; give control of the purse strings to competent, fiscal minded conservatives, to cut wasteful spending. Get our budget in balance, albeit over several years to minimize the pain, and get back to fiscal responsibilty. For those who thought this scenario was in place the first two years, i say to you two words “Paul Ryan” the conservative in name only. He lied to the Executive Branch, and refused to put legislation to the House floor for a vote. He left in disgrace, as is proper. We are divided in this country due to the actions of the previous administration. If we remain divided, you will see a situation arise in this great nation, the likes of which will make the great depression look like a church picnic. It is up to you.
It’s just incredible how these people try and find ways to screw the average citizen while continuously padding their own pockets.
In order to effect real change and stop average people from getting screwed we must remember these types of policies at election time and kick out those who put these people in cabinet and administrative positions. So it boils down to who you voted for in the last election (2016) to uncover the problem and throw the self serving bums out.
You people who elected these bozos. And yes, RV Travel readers are mostly in that group. Happy now?
So wanting our parks to be solvent so we get to keep them is the act of bozos? rofl. Did you even research the article or just swallow this biased opinion piece? The truth is that this was in a memo that hasn’t even been delivered to the committee officially and ONLY suggests black out dates for half price camping. 😉
That’s what you are calling people bozos over? lol.
Hey, I resemble that remark. :–) notice the big nose!
Seems like we were given plenty of notice when the fee increased from $10 for a lifetime pass. I got mine before the fee increase. Even with these changes, the fees are still comparable to or lower than most commercial campgrounds, and a good value. Congress needs to start cutting spending in the hugely wasteful areas and put more into programs like National Parks. You never here of them cutting funding for anything, they just keep increasing their spending.
Give Tom a ceeegar! Bingo. This is real simple people, if the government doesn’t get spending under control in the not so foreseeable future, the service on the debt will eat up so much of the budget, this time, right now, will be looked at as ” back in the good ole days” for sure.
We are at a cross roads in this country and this next year will determine if evil prevails. I’m betting on gold over evil, who’s with me?
Wait…what? Somewhere in the comments someone wrote that foreigners are getting into our National Parks for free? True or Not?
While in Yellowstone, the Tetons and Yosemite it seemed more than half of those enjoying the parks were speaking another language. They are getting in free? Forget about cutting benefits for seniors who have paid taxes their entire life!
Many of those working in Teton were Asian. This was a place that the campground was double the amount generally charged at other, showers were $4 each and Laundry was exorbitant. Are we choosing concessionaires from other countries as well?
People…. watch Ken Burns series on the National Parks. There you will learn that those with the foresight to set aside special lands for the public to enjoy are and will be always under attack by commercial interests.
I just looked that up on the National Park site and there is nothing to indicate that foreigners get into Park for free. However I found it cool that 4th graders can get a special pass!
No, of course they aren’t getting in for free. Foreigners pay full price at the national parks. What idiot said that? Oh, wait. It was probably on Fox News or something.
The only way to keep it in place the way it is now is to let your congressman or woman know that we have worked hard all our lives to keep this. I have emailed my person and they side tracked me.
“Gee maybe they should start charging foreigners a fee to get in instead of letting them visit our national parks for free….” Citation please? This is how “fake news” gets created. Nobody gets in for “free”. Anyone can *buy* a park pass. Does that constitute “free”? What is wrong with people? When did they become so willing to swallow without chewing first?
When the House of Representatives fell into enemy hands, that’s when!
No, see, that’s NOT how you cite a fact. That’s how you express an unfounded opinion. It’s subtle, but there’s a difference.
It is not always true that seniors get 50% off the entire campground fee. I have stayed at many ACE, BLM, USFS and NPS campgrounds; some give 50% off the whole fee, and others give 50% off only the base fee, charging the full upgrade for hookups.
The first thing they should do to raise revenue is to end the practice of allowing a senior to bring a car load of younger passengers into a national park for free. If a senior driver is bringing the whole family to a park, they should pay the regular entry fee. Free entry should be for seniors ONLY.
Misinformation here. Inaccurate to say “car load”. It covers you, and three of occupants.
Why should rv’ing seniors get any discount? Many, if not most, of the senior rv’ers i see have big expensive pickup/5th wheel or trailer combos or big motorhomes. They can afford full fees more than an average working man. This from a senior rv’er who cannot afford the luxury rigs.
I’m reminded of a joke from back in the 50’s.
“If a man owns a Cadillac, it doesn’t mean he HAS money. It only means he HAD money”.
As a fellow senior, Kurt, a “working man” should darned well BETTER be able to afford more stuff than me on my retired fixed income and savings. Just sayin’.
We have a GAP, and have enjoyed it, but I thought it was for USA citizens only. We know of a least three Canadian Groups with someone in them that has the pass, not US citizens. I see where they are needing to do something, but when we bought our pass we were told it was for life.
Well, hopefully that scoundrel will have it revoked when the ranger asks for ID along with the pass. I always wondered why I was asked for my Driver ID along with my pass, now I know!
just because a lot of seniors have big rigs and big trucks to pull them doesn’t mean they can afford to pay full price on things.
We have a big rig and big truck because we sold everything we owned to live more inexpensively. SS only goes so far and the ever increasing costs of living and our aging bodies doesn’t make life easier. So any discounts are very appreciative.
Why doesn’t the parks ask seniors to show up at any national park after labor day and spend 1month with free camping to work on campsites and buildings. The baby boomers are retiring now and millions own RVs and would gladly take the opportunity. Heck even young families are on the road now
I wonder if this affects the disabled veterans pass too?
Y’all voted for the people that want to do this. Still happy about your choice?
I did not vote for them!
This is wrong. We should be granfathered! We were told this is what we get!
I really enjoy RV Travel newsletter however, for some reason it keeps going to my junk mail. Any suggestions that I can receive in my in box?
Thanks!
Hi Kathy, make sure that editor@rvtravel.com is on your whitelist or safe senders list. Here’s a tutorial on how to do it through outlook: https://www.wikihow.com/Add-Approved-Senders-to-Hotmail Thanks!
This is very easy to stop. Write your senators and congressmen or congress woman that you do not mind them changing the way the Golden Age Passport card that was supposedly good every day of the year.
WHEN YOU WRITE TO YOUR POLITICIANS TELL THEM THAT YOU DON’T MIND THEM MAKING THE CHANGE BECAUSE THAT WILL GIVE YOU PLENTY OF TIME TO
GO DOOR TO DOOR CAMPAIGNING AGAINST THEM.
maybe that will get the message across that seniors are not to be trifled with.
Baby boomers are seniors now & there are a lot of us. Maybe all of us seniors should just boycott all national parks & get our friends & relatives to do the same. How many parks do you think would be able to stay open if we did that? This might be something that Secretary Bernhardt, the Dept. Of the Interior & the rest of the federal government might want think about really hard.
Well, just in time for me to use my senior pass and they are talking about cutting the benefits of having one. I have waited all my life to have the opportunity to see our National Parks and am very close to being set up where I can do it on a shoestring budget.(I definetly fit the category of “lower income”)
I was depending on my pass cutting my expenses.
Sounds like it’s time for us “seniors” to start flooding email address and making phone calls to put in our opinion.
This potential hit on National Park Pass is not making me a happy camper at all !