This Saturday, Sept 25, the National Park Service is offering free access to 392 national parks to commemorate National Public Lands Day, reports the America’s Great Outdoors Campaign, a community-based conservation awareness effort.
The National Park Service says the fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Exluded are reservation, camping, tours, and concession fees as well as fees collected by third parties.
The National Public Lands Day is set aside to celebrate outdoors recreation, but the America’s Great Outdoors Campaign says it should also remind Americans of the importance of our protected areas.
 Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah |
“While families are enjoying this special weekend, we must also remember that national parks need to be protected for future generations,” stated a release from the America’s Great Outdoors Campaign, which is asking people to “tell President Obama what they want to see on his conservation agenda by sending a comment to the White House and Department of Interior.”
“Timing is critical. Members of the Obama Cabinet will begin drafting a 21st Century strategy to conserve our shared outdoor spaces. Their recommendations will be presented to the President in a November 15 report that reflects their findings.”
More than two-thirds of the country’s national parks are free year-around.