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Gulf Islands National SeashoreVisitors walking on the white sandy beach with blue water in background.
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Gulf Islands National Seashore
America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program

The National Park Service (NPS) is pleased to announce an exciting new interagency pass program known as the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Participating agencies include the National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. 

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.

The four passes in the interagency program are:

 
Annual Pass with blue sky, mountains, wildflowers and cactus.

New interagency Annual Pass.

Annual Pass- $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 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.

 
Senior Pass with bright orange-red flowers.

New interagency Senior Pass.

Senior Pass- $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 Fee. 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.

 
Access Pass with wheelchair accessible boardwalk, green grass and sunlight streaming through tall trees.

New interagency Access 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 Fee. 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.

 
Volunteer Pass with blue sky, mountains, wildflowers and cactus.

New interagency Volunteer Pass.

Volunteer Pass - Free. For volunteers acquiring 500 service hours on a cumulative basis. 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 award. 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 free).

A view of the Advanced Redoubt drawbridge.  

Did You Know?
The Third System fortifications consisted of 42 forts built between 1816 and 1870. They were used to guard all the principal harbors, rivers, and naval yards of the United States. Only the Advanced Redoubt of Fort Barrancas at Gulf Islands National Seashore was built entirely for land defense.

Last Updated: November 04, 2008 at 12:17 EST