Even though higher entrance fees in Yellowstone
National Park are expected to raise roughly $7 million over the
next three years, more money won’t guarantee that the park will
stay open for its traditional season.
That’s
because Park Service officials in Washington determined that
maintenance for deteriorating roads and buildings should be top
priority for the new money, said agency spokesman David Barna.
“Everyone said this is what we have to do – keep it away from my
salary, this guy’s travel, pencils and pens,” said Barna. “It’s a
little easier to point at tangible objects and say, “We rebuilt
this sewer system, we rebuilt this visitor center.”
“
While that strategy may go over well in
Congress, Yellowstone officials immediately caught heat locally for
suggesting they cut back the tourist season. After listening to
concerns from Sen. Craig Thomas, R-Wyo., Yellowstone officials
announced that the park will be open for the traditional season
this year. That means vehicles can enter the park from April 15
through Nov. 15 at the new price of $20 per car, up from $10 last
year.
* Angus M. Thuermer Jr.
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Money can’t buy a full season.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
