Fee increase for White Mountains?

The White Mountain National Forest is proposing a change to its fee structure.

The proposal increases the cost of a daily pass from $3 to $5 dollars and the cost of an annual pass from $20 to $30.  The proposal also eliminates fees at nine trailheads, among other changes.

The White Mountain National Forest argues that the proposal will “realign fees to be more consistent with other sites offering the same services and facilities” and “enable more of the revenue to be used at recreation sites.” 

Most New Hampshire state parks charge $4 for a day pass.  “High use parks,” such as Monadnock State Park, are $5 a day, while the Flume Gorge is $16 a day. 

Opponents argue that any fee increase over 50% is excessive. 

Others argue that rather than increase fees, the federal government should consider public-private partnerships to maintain parks. 

The White Mountain National Forest is accepting comments on the proposal until September 30.  You can send comments to Marianne Leberman, White Mountain National Forest, 71 White Mountain Drive, Campton, NH  03223-4272 or mleberman@fs.fed.us.

The Eastern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee will decide on the proposed fee changes at their meeting next winter.  

UPDATE: Read our Citizen Voices℠ report and find out where New Hampshire stands on this issue.