Date: April 17, 2017
Contact: Tim Steidel, 907-983-9226
Skagway – Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park will hold a town hall meeting to discuss fee increases in 2018. The meeting will take place at the Skagway Traditional Council building, 11th and Broadway, at 5:00 PM on Monday, May 15th and will include a public comment session.
Current U.S. Fees (U.S. Dollars)
Adult $15.00
Youth $7.50
Proposed U.S. Fees (U.S. Dollars)
Adult $20.00
Youth $10
The revenue generated from overnight permit fees is used to improve trail conditions and safety, enhance facilities, and provide a more enjoyable back-country experience for the visitor. The U.S. portion of the trail has not had an increase in permit fees since 2008. “We are committed to keeping the Chilkoot hiker experience affordable, and we also want to provide visitors with the best possible experience,” said Superintendent Mike Tranel.
The hiking experience has improved over the last decade thanks to projects funded by fees. The declining number of visitor injuries and costly medical evacuations from the back-country can be in part attributed to the high quality of trail construction and maintenance over the last several years. Recreation fee revenue has enabled the park to complete projects such as the replacement of older traditional pit toilets with newly designed and more environmentally sound and sustainable moldering composting toilet systems. Recreation fees also provide for periodic replacement of warming shelter covers and deteriorating camp amenities such as wood stoves and bear-proof food lockers. Additional revenue generated by a fee increase will help ensure facilities and services continue at a level the Chilkoot Trail hiker has come to expect.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is a strong economic engine for the Skagway Bureau with nearly 1 million visitors contributing millions to the local economy each year while supporting thousands of jobs related to tourism.
The National Park Service will determine follow-up actions based on public comments received.
