January 1, 2012 Fee Increase Announced - Press Release

National Underground Railroad Conference, St. Augustine, FL. - June 20 - June 23, 2012 

The 2012 conference theme explores resistance to slavery through escape and flight to and from the South, including through international flight, from the 16th century to the end of the Civil War.

The conference will highlight how southern freedom seekers seized unique opportunities to escape enslavement through flight into Spanish Florida and the Seminole Nation, to the Caribbean Islands, and into the western borderlands of Indian Territory, Texas, and Mexico.

Other conference topics include preservation and interpretation of stories of southern freedom seekers during the War of 1812 and the American Civil War, in commemoration of the 200th and 150th anniversaries, respectively.

The conference will also observe the upcoming 450th anniversary of the City of St. Augustine's founding and the city's ongoing legacy in the Civil Rights history with the impending 50th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

This conference provides an opportunity to answer our recent "Call to Action" and NPS parks are especially welcome to participate. The conference will bring together a mix of grass roots researchers, public historians, community advocates, site stewards, government officials, local youth, and the general public. NPS staff participation as presenters, exhibit hall posters, volunteers, and attendees illustrates our service-wide commitment to interpret the full diversity of United States history, to expand the meaning of parks to new audiences, and to provide an opportunity for communities to learn more about their heritage. The call for proposals is now available on the Organization of American Historians website. The submission deadline for proposals is January 15th.

For more information, visit the Network to Freedom website or contact Turkiya L. Lowe, SER Program Manager, at turkiya_lowe@nps.gov, 404-507-5830.  

** Read the latest park news here: The Garita - Winter 2011

Commercial Use Authorization Program

Attn: All companies anticipating conducting commercial service activities at Castillo de San Marcos or Fort Matanzas National Monument.

 The National Park Service (NPS) has established guidelines for parks to issue a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). The CUA allows businesses meeting NPS requirements to conduct commercial service activities within the park's boundaries.

In order to bring the park into compliance with NPS regulations, effective July 1, 2008, all businesses conducting commercial service activities in the park boundaries must apply for a CUA.

All businesses that meet the CUA requirements will be issued a permit. This includes any commercial guided tours within the park's boundaries during and after normal business hours (e.g. all educational tour groups, night time ghost tours, Segway tours, etc).

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 36, 5.3 prohibits the engaging in business activity within NPS areas except in accordance with a permit, contract or any other type of written agreement.

All businesses that are approved for a CUA will be required to obtain liability insurance. The liability insurance policy must list the U.S. Government as an additional insured. You will be notified in writing whether your request for a CUA is approved or not approved. Proof of insurance must be submitted prior to issuance of the CUA.

Businesses who are interested in conducting commercial service activities in the park boundaries for the 2008/2009 season must apply for a CUA by June 1, 2008. You must have a CUA prior to making your reservations. The non-refundable application fee of $75 must accompany the application and will apply toward the total cost of the CUA which is $700 for a two (2) year term.

More information available here.

New Passes

The National Park Service and the other federal land agencies have unveiled a new pass system designed to provide a single pass to all national public recreation sites. As with previous passes, there are levels of eligibility, but each level features one pass which will be accepted by all federal agencies. The passes are:

1) America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Annual Pass - Cost $80 This pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. (children under 16 are admitted free) The pass can be obtained in person at the park, by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1, or via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass.

2) America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Senior Pass. - Cost $10. This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

3) America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Access Pass - Free. This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency.The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

All National Parks Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass.

Only paper Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.