Sen. Ron Wyden and four Senate Democrats asked Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to halt planned national park fee changes set for Jan. 1, 2026, calling them discriminatory and rushed. The proposal would charge non‑residents $250 for an annual pass (compared with $80 for U.S. residents) and a $100 day fee for non‑residents at 11 top parks, while requiring proof of residency for some passes. The senators urged a pause until the public can comment, visitation impacts are studied, and implementation details are clarified — especially given recent staffing cuts that could worsen entry delays.
Senators Demand Halt To New National Park Fees, Call Policy “Discriminatory”
Senators call on Trump administration to pause hike in national park fees
PORTLAND, Ore. — Sen. Ron Wyden (D‑Ore.) and four Senate colleagues have urged Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to pause a planned overhaul of national park entrance fees, calling the changes "discriminatory" and rushed.
In a letter sent this week, Wyden and four other senators — led by Sen. Alex Padilla (D‑Calif.) and joined by Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D‑Nev.), Mazie Hirono (D‑Hawaii) and Adam Schiff (D‑Calif.) — raised objections to a fee structure announced in November by the Department of the Interior that is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
What the Proposal Would Change
The proposed fee plan would, for the first time, require proof of residency for certain park passes and charge non‑residents $250 for an annual national park pass compared with $80 for U.S. citizens and residents. It would also impose a $100 entry fee for non‑residents ages 16 and older who do not hold an annual pass at 11 of the country’s most visited parks.
Senators’ Concerns
The lawmakers argue the changes were announced without adequate public input, could slow entry at busy parks, and risk deterring international visitors. "America’s national parks serve as destinations for visitors both domestically and internationally to experience our country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and history," the senators wrote to Burgum. "While we understand that entrance and recreation fees are vital to enhancing the visitor experience, we want to ensure all feel welcome to enjoy all national treasures."
"Since these new fees are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, we strongly believe these fees are being implemented too quickly, without public input, and will be a barrier for both residents and non‑residents alike."
The senators requested that implementation of the new non‑resident passes and fees be suspended until the public has an opportunity to weigh in, visitation impacts are studied, and implementation details are clarified for Congress, National Park Service employees, and other stakeholders.
Broader Impacts Cited
The letter also warns the fee changes come as the National Park Service faces staffing challenges: the senators cite a roughly 24% reduction in permanent Park Service employees since January, a cut they say could exacerbate entry delays at popular parks.
They further referenced data from the International Inbound Travel Association showing overseas visitation is down more than 3% and Canadian visitation is down about 25%. The letter noted international visitors spent $254 billion in the United States in 2024 and that national parks are commonly included in international itineraries.
Senators are asking the Interior Department to pause the rollout while these concerns are reviewed and addressed.
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