Your Dollars At Work

How Recreation Fee Dollars are Utilized

The National Park Service works "....to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." (NPS Organic Act 1916)

Protecting our natural and cultural heritage while ensuring that visitors have a safe, enjoyable, and educational experience is expensive. As the number of visitors to parks continues to climb due to the popularity of our national treasures, government funding available for necessities such as road and building repairs, campground maintenance, visitor protection, resource protection and other services has not kept pace with demand.

In 2004, to address these needs, Congress signed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) which enables the National Park Service to collect entrance fees. FLREA directs funds collected from park visitors towards the upkeep of the services and facilities they are utilizing. Here at Capitol Reef National Park, we are authorized to keep 100% of the fees collected in the park. That means when you pay an entrance fee or buy a park pass at the visitor center your money is being put to excellent use here at Capitol Reef. These funds have been and will continue to be used for maintenance, repair projects, public service programs, signage, and natural and historical resource preservation.

Some Recent and Upcoming Projects Supported by Fee Dollars

 

A young peach tree ready to be planted in the Guy Smith Orchard.

NPS/ G. Kann

Orchard Rehabilitation

As fruit trees naturally age and begin to decline over time, old trees need to be replaced with new ones. New trees are propagated from trees currently growing in our orchards to conserve heirloom fruit varieties that might otherwise be lost. Trees are being replanted in the Guy Smith, Abie Clark, and Carrell orchards. As these planted trees develop, visitors can continue to enjoy fresh fruit from the orchards in the Fruita Rural Historic District.

 

NPS/ G. Kann

Trail Maintenance

Since 2019, seasonal trail crew workers have been hired with recreation fee dollars to improve trails throughout the Fruita area. Properly maintained trails allow visitors to more safely experience all the park has to offer.

In 2025, trail crew worked to improve the Hickman Bridge Trail. Below is a side by side comparison of the trail before and after the trail crews' efforts.

 

Before and After of Hickman Bridge Trail 2025

 

Rangers give daily programs throughout the Fruita area.

NPS/ G. Kann

Seasonal Ranger Staff

Each year additional staff are hired for the busy season. From May through October, these rangers staff the visitor center, provide free public programs, and assist visitors with trip planning. When you visit the park, chances are that you will interact with one or more of the seasonal park rangers.