Proposed Fee Increases

Date: December 31, 2014
Contact: Sue Walter, 520-387-6849 x7301

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Proposes Entrance and Camping Fee Increases

Ajo, Arizona –Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and other National Park Service (NPS) units that collect entrance fees are beginning public engagement seeking comments on possible changes in parks fee beginning in 2015.

Organ Pipe Cactus NM is accepting comments to possible fee increases in 2015. The current park entrance and camping feeshavebeen in place since 2005. Since 2005 the monument has improved the Twin Peaks Campground by remodeling the restrooms and installing solar showers, constructing level concrete pads at all RV sites and installing shade ramadas at several sites. Future plans include WiFi and charging stations for electronic devices. The monument is proposing the following recreation fee changes:
7-day single vehicle entrance fee from $8.00 to $12.00
Nightly camping at Twin Peaks Campground from $12.00 to $16.00
Nightly camping at Alamo Canyon Campground from $8.00 to $10.00
Organ Pipe Cactus specific annual pass from $20.00 to $30.00

Entrance fees are not charged to persons under 16 years of age or holders of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Senior, Access or Military Passes. These passes may be obtained at the Park.

Comments are being accepted through the park service's Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ to January 30, 2015.The title is labeled "Proposed Fee Increase" listed under Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument with project number #56115.Comments can also be sent to "contact us" on the monument's webpage https://www.nps.gov/orpi/, on our Facebook page, on a comment form at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center or mailed to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Attention: Superintendent, 10 Organ Pipe Dr, Ajo, AZ, 85321.

"We are committed to keeping the park affordable but we also want to provide visitors with the best possible experience," said Organ Pipe Cactus Superintendent Brent Range. "The money from camping and entrance fees is used to improve and maintain our facilities and provide valuable visitor services.""At Organ pipe Cactus 100% of the fees remain in the park and have been used to upgrade the amphitheater in the campground for interpretive programs, provide new wayside and visitor center exhibits, rebuild trails, provide programs for youth and install energy efficient lighting.Projects for this year are to replace shade ramadas at the Pinkley Peak picnic area with more durable structures and install ADA accessible walkways to picnic areas and restrooms in three locations.Future plans include adding additional shade ramadas in the campground, new trails and interpretive programs."

Organ Pipe Cactus is a strong economic engine for the surrounding area. In 2013, park visitors contributed $12 million to the local economy and supported 167jobs related to tourism.

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