Recreational User Fees provide National Park units with critical project funding that is used to benefit the public by improving the condition of park facilities and services, reducing the maintenance backlog, and enhancing the condition of natural and cultural resources.
By National Park Service policy, 100% of the funds collected at the Apostle Islands will stay at the Apostle Islands and be used for these kinds of projects.
Fees will be used to restore services that have eroded and for repairs and improvements to campsites, trails, and docks; stabilization and restoration of historic buildings; improved signs and exhibits; educational programs, guided walks, hikes, and other popular visitor activities.
After extensive public involvement over the past two years, new NPS recreational user fees were approved by the NPS national office and are now in effect at the Apostle Islands in 2007.
The Friends of the Apostle Islands, recognizing the park's need for revenue and working closely with the NPS, introduced a Voluntary Apostle Islands Passport in 2006. This program, in which 100% of the revenue generated comes back to the park for projects, will continue in 2007. Please click on the link to the Friends voluntary passport below for more information.