In a bold move to revitalize America’s national parks, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at increasing revenue through entry fee adjustments for international tourists while promoting accessibility for American citizens.
This directive highlights the significance of national parks as cherished destinations for American families, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to preserving these natural treasures for future generations.
The executive order outlines several measures intended to enhance visitors’ experiences while improving the financial sustainability of the parks.
The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with developing strategies to appropriately raise entrance fees and recreation pass fees specifically for non-residents at national park sites that currently charge such fees.
Additionally, the initiative will see an increase in the prices of the America the Beautiful Pass and other related recreation passes for foreign tourists.
The revenue generated from these fee increases is earmarked for critical infrastructure improvements within the national parks, ensuring that visitor enjoyment and accessibility are prioritized.
While these adjustments aim to maximize park revenue, the administration is also committed to improving affordability for United States residents visiting these national sites.
To further promote tourism, the Secretary of the Interior will collaborate with the Secretary of State to encourage international visitors to explore America’s national parks and lesser-utilized outdoor recreation areas.
The order emphasizes the importance of addressing the maintenance backlog within the National Park Service through effective implementation of the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, as established in the Great American Outdoors Act.
This initiative seeks to not only invest in the national parks’ infrastructure but also to increase visitor capacity, allowing more Americans to experience these iconic landscapes.
In a notable aspect of the directive, the Secretary of the Interior is instructed to reassess the existing public use rules governing national parks.
The review aims to ensure that management policies align with the administration’s focus on recreational access while reconsidering any rules that could hinder outdoor activities.
Particularly, the Secretary will scrutinize restrictions enacted during the previous administration, taking necessary actions to eliminate any guidelines deemed overly stringent.
The order reflects a concerted effort to provide preferential treatment for American residents regarding remaining recreational access rules.
In conjunction with these changes, the presidential memorandum promoting diversity and inclusion within national parks, issued on January 12, 2017, has been revoked.
Observers note that this revocation signals a shift in focus towards enhancing visitor access and experiences for American families visiting national parks.
While the new policies are set in motion, the administration reassures that they will remain consistent with applicable laws and within the confines of budgetary appropriations.
The President’s executive order emphasizes that it does not create enforceable rights or benefits for individuals against the government or its agencies.
Instead, it aims primarily to maximize the potential of America’s national parks while enhancing visitor satisfaction and accessibility.
As the implementation of these initiatives proceeds, public response is likely to vary, with some celebrating the effort to enhance national parks and others concerned about potential barriers for international visitors.
Nonetheless, the administration remains steadfast in its mission to balance enjoyment for both American residents and foreign tourists, ensuring that these national treasures continue to be a source of pride and recreational opportunity for all.
With the new policies set into effect, observers will be keenly monitoring the impact on visitor numbers and overall satisfaction within the national parks, as well as the success of the revenue-generating strategies put forth by President Trump’s administration.
image source from：whitehouse
