Senator Orders Trump To Stop
Several Democratic senators are urging the Trump administration to delay upcoming changes to national park entrance fees, arguing the new pricing structure could discourage tourism and was implemented without sufficient public input.
Among them is Ron Wyden, who joined four other Democratic lawmakers in a formal letter sent to Doug Burgum.
The senators are asking the administration to pause the fee increases before they are scheduled to take effect on January 1.
What the New National Park Fees Would Do
In November, the Department of the Interior announced a revised fee system for U.S. national parks.
Under the proposal:
- U.S. citizens and legal residents would continue to pay $80 for an annual national park pass
- Non-U.S. residents would be charged $250 for the same access
According to Wyden’s office, this marks the first time proof of U.S. residency would be required to receive standard pricing for access to federally protected public lands.
In addition, non-residents age 16 and older who do not purchase an annual pass would be required to pay $100 per visit to enter 11 of the nation’s most heavily visited national parks.
Lawmakers Claim Process Moved Too Fast
In their letter, the senators said they recognize that park entrance fees help maintain facilities and improve visitor experiences. However, they argue the changes were announced too quickly and without adequate opportunity for public feedback.
They warned that the policy could create longer entry lines, confusion for visitors, and fewer international tourists — particularly at high-traffic parks.
Staffing Cuts Add to Concerns
The lawmakers also raised concerns about staffing levels at the National Park Service.
According to the letter, permanent Park Service staffing has been reduced by approximately 24 percent since January, a move the senators claim could further slow entry times and strain remaining employees at popular destinations.
They cautioned that fee changes combined with reduced staffing could negatively impact the overall visitor experience.
International Tourism Already Declining
The senators cited data showing that overseas travel to the United States has already declined, with international visitation reportedly down more than 3 percent, while Canadian travel has fallen by roughly 25 percent.
They noted that international travelers spent an estimated $254 billion in the U.S. last year and frequently include national parks as part of their trips.
Who Signed the Letter
The letter was led by Alex Padilla and co-signed by:
- Catherine Cortez Masto
- Mazie Hirono
- Adam Schiff
Trump Administration Response
As of now, the Trump administration has not announced whether it will delay or modify the fee changes.
Supporters of the plan argue that higher fees for foreign visitors help ensure American taxpayers — who fund park maintenance through federal spending — receive priority access to national parks while preserving long-term funding for conservation efforts.
