Free Entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park and Special Ranger-led Programs during National Park Week April 17- 25

News Release Date: April 9, 2010

Contact: Darlene M. Koontz, [phone], ext. 5101

Lassen Volcanic National Park entrance fees will be waived April 17 to 25 with added snowshoe hikes in celebration of National Park Week, coinciding with Earth Day and Junior Ranger Day. "The entrance fee free week will be in addition to the usual fee free days for National Public Lands Day on September 25 and Veterans Day on November 11. There may be additional entrance fee free days designated in 2010" said Superintendent Darlene M. Koontz. The fee free dates do not include other fees for camping, reservations and use of concessions.

National Park Week is an opportunity to engage families and communities in America’s great outdoors, reconnecting them with nature and creating close to home opportunities for people to get outside, be active, and have fun. Superintendent Koontz stated "During National Park Week, and throughout the year, Lassen Volcanic National Park will plan activities that promote physical well being for First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Initiative". Ranger-led snowshoe hikes will take place on Saturdays, April 17th and 24th, and Sundays April 18th and 25th at 1:30 p.m. from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.

Earth Day on April 22 will focus on climate change for its 40 year anniversary. Lassen Volcanic National Park strives to make every day Earth Day on a park wide scale. In 2009, Lassen Volcanic National Park volunteers clocked over 1,023 hours sorting materials, diverting 84 tons of recyclables from garbage. "Every visitor can help our sustainable efforts by using the park’s recycle receptacles", added Superintendent Koontz.

On April 24, bring your family to celebrate National Junior Ranger day where Junior Rangers can earn a special "National Junior Ranger" patch by completing activities at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center or in Red Bluff at the Tehama County Children’s Fair.

The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open year-round and current hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For further information, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/lavo or contact the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center [phone].