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Contact: Ty Labeth, 575-278-2201
Capulin, NM - Capulin Volcano National Monumentis proposing changes to its fee program in 2015. Changes include a modest increase to Capulin Volcano's weekly auto pass, individual pass, and park specific annual pass. The park is also proposing the establishment of a motorcycle entry fee. Currently, motorcycles are charged the same as a vehicle. Below is a table of the current fees, and the increase that the park is suggesting. Entrance fees are not charged to persons under the age of 16, or those in possession of an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Pass.
"We at Capulin Volcano National Monument are committed to keeping the park affordable and at the same time we wish to provide our visitors with the best possible experience," said Capulin Volcano National Monument Superintendent Peter Armato. "The money from fees as well as donations is used in many ways to enhance visitor experiences. For example, fees have been used to enhance picnic areas. They have been used to provide excellent educational venues and opportunities as well as provide for improvements to the visitor center and restroom facilities. In essence, the purpose of Capulin's fee program is to help ensure our visitors have a memorable and positive experience while visiting." The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) is the legislation under which the park currently collects entrance and amenity fees. This law allows parks to retain 80 percent of the fees collected for use on projects that directly benefit visitors. The remaining 20 percent is distributed throughout the National Park Service. While basic park operations are funded by congressional appropriation, the revenue generated from fee dollars supports the high level of satisfaction that visitors have come to expect and enjoy.Projects funded from entry fee revenue include: Interpretation/Education:Using fee revenue, the park was able to acquire a point-of-sale register system, for faster processing and shorter visitor lines.Construction of an outdoor classroom offers a unique learning experience for students.The installation of interpretive signage, exhibits, and an audio accessible video provides everyday visitor education. Resource Management:By building educational greenhouses students from the surrounding states have been able to not only learn about resource protection, but participate in numerous projects with the park's Natural Resource Managers. Maintenance:Many of the trails and facilities found in the park were improved from the use of these entry fees. The Crater Rim Trail (2011), Lava Flow Trail (2012), and Boca Trail (2013) were all rehabilitated for visitor enjoyment.Chemical vault toilets were installed at the crater rim parking area for visitor benefit and comfort.In 2014, the restrooms and foyer at the visitor center were renovated to include environmentally friendly hand dryers, new stalls, and slip resistant tile. Capulin Volcano National Monument is a strong economic engine for the surrounding area.In 2012, more than 48,000 park visitors contributed 1.2 million to the local economy and supported 19jobs related to tourism. Park staff are seeking public comment about the proposed fee schedule. Comments can be sent to the park via email at CAVO_interp@nps.gov, social media sites (Facebook and Twitter) and Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/.We ask that all comments be sent to us by January 16, 2015.The new fees could be implemented in early 2015.However, feedback the park receives will help determine how and when a fee increase may be implemented. About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.govon Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice. |
Last updated: February 24, 2015