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Proposed Fee Increase
Would Benefit Visitors to
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
As part of a
nationwide examination of user fees, Park Superintendent Tracy
Fortmann announced a proposed fee increase at Fort Vancouver
National Historic Site to begin on January 1, 2008.
The proposed rates would increase from $3 to $5 for an individual 16
or older to visit the reconstructed fort, and $5 to $10 for a family
visit. The entrance receipt is valid for a period of 7 days. The
Fort Vancouver Annual Pass, which allows unlimited visits to Fort
Vancouver and Whitman Mission for the cardholder and family for one
year, would increase from $10 to $20. All National Park Passes will
continue to be honored.
The nationwide examination of user fees that are being charged in
the National Park system is designed to make the fee rates more
consistent with services offered at various park areas. Fees are
used to provide enhanced visitor services such as facility or ground
improvements.
Beginning in 2007, Fort Vancouver will be allowed to retain 100% of
their fee income for these much needed projects. At Fort Vancouver,
entrance fees have been used to purchase accessible picnic tables
and to repair the historic bandstand on Officers Row and rebuild
observation decks at the waterfront area.
"These monies allow us to provide tangible benefits to our
visitors," says Superintendent Fortmann. "When you pay an entrance
fee, those dollars will be used to enhance your future visits to the
site."
An upcoming project, financed by entrance fees, is the construction
of an accessible trail system, based on historical information,
linking buildings inside the reconstructed fort.
The National Park Service is interested in public comments on the
proposed increase. We would like to hear from you by April 30, 2007.
Comment forms are available at the Visitor Center and fort site.
Comments can be e-mailed directly to the park through the link on
the park website at:
http://www.nps.gov/fova/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm .
Comments can also be mailed to: Superintendent, Fort Vancouver
National Historic Site, 612 E. Reserve Street, Vancouver, WA 98661.
(Attention: Fee Proposal Comments).
Background: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, a unit of the
National Park Service, is the heart of the Vancouver National
Historic Reserve. The Vancouver National Historic Reserve brings
together a national park, a premier archaeological site, the
region's first military post, an international fur trade emporium,
one of the oldest operating airfields, the first national historic
site west of the Mississippi River, and a
waterfront trail and environmental center on the banks of the
Columbia River. The partners of the Reserve teach visitors about the
fur trade, early military life, natural history, and pioneers in
aviation, all within the context of Vancouveršs role in regional and
national development. The Reserve's vast array of public programs --
including living history events, festivals, cultural demonstrations,
exhibits, active archaeology, and other special activities -- create
a dynamic, fun, and unique tourist destination
for people of all ages.
Experience Your America The National Park Service cares for special
places saved by the American people so that all may experience our
heritage. |
