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Marv Binegar
Contact: Becky Railey, 360-816-6241 Proposed Fee Increase Would Benefit Visitors to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Vancouver, WA- As part of a nationwide examination of user fees, Park Superintendent Tracy Fortmann announced a proposed fee increase at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site to begin on January 1, 2008. The proposed rates would increase from $3 to $5 for an individual 16 or older to visit the reconstructed fort, and $5 to $10 for a family visit. The entrance receipt is valid for a period of 7 days. The Fort Vancouver Annual Pass, which allows unlimited visits to Fort Vancouver and Whitman Mission for the cardholder and family for one year, would increase from $10 to $20. All National Park Passes will continue to be honored. The nationwide examination of user fees that are being charged in the National Park system is designed to make the fee rates more consistent with services offered at various park areas. Fees are used to provide enhanced visitor services such as facility or ground improvements. Beginning in 2007, Fort Vancouver will be allowed to retain 100% of their fee income for these much needed projects. At Fort Vancouver, entrance fees have been used to purchase accessible picnic tables and to repair the historic bandstand on Officers Row and rebuild observation decks at the waterfront area. "These monies allow us to provide tangible benefits to our visitors," says Superintendent Fortmann. "When you pay an entrance fee, those dollars will be used to enhance your future visits to the site." An upcoming project, financed by entrance fees, is the construction of an accessible trail system, based on historical information, linking buildings inside the reconstructed fort. The National Park Service is interested in public comments on the proposed increase. We would like to hear from you by April 30, 2007. Comment forms are available at the Visitor Center and fort site. Comments can be e-mailed directly to the park through the link on the park website at: https://www.nps.gov/fova/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm . Comments can also be mailed to: Superintendent, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 612 E. Reserve Street, Vancouver, WA 98661. (Attention: Fee Proposal Comments). Background: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is the heart of the Vancouver National Historic Reserve. The Vancouver National Historic Reserve brings together a national park, a premier archaeological site, the region's first military post, an international fur trade emporium, one of the oldest operating airfields, the first national historic site west of the Mississippi River, and a waterfront trail and environmental center on the banks of the Columbia River. The partners of the Reserve teach visitors about the fur trade, early military life, natural history, and pioneers in aviation, all within the context of Vancouver’s role in regional and national development. The Reserve's vast array of public programs -- including living history events, festivals, cultural demonstrations, exhibits, active archaeology, and other special activities -- create a dynamic, fun, and unique tourist destination for people of all ages. -NPS- |
Last updated: February 28, 2015