New NPS pass program

Date: December 13, 2006
Contact: Joseph Zagorski, 423-346-6294

The National Park Service, in conjunction with the USDA Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation, will launch a new Park Pass Program called America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. This series of four new passes will go into effect on January 1, 2007. All National Parks Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for the new plastic passes.

The four new passes in the interagency program are:

1) America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Annual Pass– Cost $80. This pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can be obtained in person at the park, by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1, or via the Internet at https://store.usgs.gov/pass.

2) America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Senior Pass– Cost $10. This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge and Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free. The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

3) America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Access Pass– Free. This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician, document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income, or document issued by a state agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

4) America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Volunteer Pass– Free. This pass is for volunteers acquiring 500 service hours on a cumulative basis. It provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of award. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). Contact Amy Williams at 423-346-6294 to learn about volunteer opportunities at the Obed Wild and Scenic River.

For the former pass program passes:

Golden Eagle Passport and National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle Hologram

These passes have been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational LandsPass – AnnualPass.

Golden Age Passport

This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – SeniorPass.

Golden Access Passport

This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National  Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Access Pass.

Passport Frequently Asked Questions are available at https://store.usgs.gov/pass/general.html