Date: June 18, 2009
Superintendent Glen Livermont announced today Pipestone National Monument will implement an entrance fee change effective June 22, 2009. This increase was authorized by Congress in the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, signed by President Bush in December of 2004. This Act replaced earlier legislation of the same nature which allows parks to charge entrance fees, and for parks to retain 80% of fees collected for projects that benefit and support National Park Service Visitors.
The fee change will eliminate the $5.00 vehicle fee and all commercial tour fees for Pipestone National Monument. The $3.00 individual fee for anyone 16 years of age and older will now apply whether visitors arrive on a bus, in a private vehicle, by motorcycle, or by any other means. The Monument’s $15.00 annual pass and all other National Park Service annual passes will continue to be honored and will also be available at the Monument visitor center.
With the revenue retained by the Monument from entrance fees collected, recent projects completed include: the petroglyph exhibit, wayside exhibit signs, restroom upgrades, auditorium chairs, interpretive displays and cases, and plant signs along the Circle Trail. Upcoming projects for 2009 include a new visitor orientation film and a remodeled auditorium.
Superintendent Livermont stated he would like to invite anyone with comments concerning the change in fees to contact him. He would also like to remind everyone of the upcoming fee free weekends scheduled for June 20 & 21, July 18 & 19, August 15 & 16. Please take the opportunity to visit and enjoy a summer day at the Monument.
