Gulf Islands National Seashores Propose Fee Increases

Gulf Islands National Seashore officials are proposing a fee increase from $8 to $15 dollars; a $25 to $30 for an annual pass.  In addition park officials want to charge a new fee to travel the seven mile stretch between Navarre and Pensacola Beach, daytime hours, during tourist season. 

You have until January 2, 2015 to voice your opinion to park officials. 

EMAIL:  GUIS_superintendent@nps.gov

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE:  Gulf Islands National Seashore, Attn: Fee Program, 1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

FOR MORE INFO:  http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=55396

 

 

Here are a few points that I made:

I am totally against the proposed fee restructure of Gulf Islands National Seashore; this includes raising park entrance fees!

First off, I don’t know why anyone would want to pay money to visit these beaches, when they can enjoy other parts of the island for free. 

Secondly, I live in Pensacola, and I am a witness to the lack of regard for the beaches that lie within the National Seashores.  Most times they are trashed and the chance of stepping on a toxic tar ball is much higher.  I never ever have seen a ranger, or anyone else for that matter, picking up trash on these beaches that fall under the National Seashores protection. 

Which brings me to this question, why do you need a raise?  Apparently, the only overhead the National Park service in this area has is paying for people to collect money at a guarded gate entrance into the park.  And the fees you are proposing go way beyond a cost of living raise for those employees. 

In addition, because I am a resident in this area, to pay a fee to use the road to get to Navarre from Pensacola, is an insult, after all these years of traveling that route for free.  You didn’t need the money to maintain the park then; then it would only make sense that you wouldn’t need it now, because nothing has changed.  It isn’t like you are offering to widen the lanes to include parking or anything along those lines.  Instead, the National Park service only sees an opportunity to make money.  This behavior is nothing more than an act of greed - plain and simple.

So as you see, there is no justification for these fee increases.  Adding an additional fee to travel between Navarre and Pensacola Beach would increase traffic on State Route 98, which is notorious for traffic accidents, and most certainly would contribute to the mortality rate, as well as the air pollution that comes with stop and go travelling.  So not only are you promoting an economical hardship upon an area of Florida whose citizens are financially challenged as it is, a fee increase would impact the health and wellbeing of those of us who live here as well.

You asked for my opinion and you got it.  Please reconsider your fee increase proposal.  The National Park Service was established to preserve and protect the natural beauty of this place we call Holy Ground.  Not make a mockery of it by taking advantage of the tourism industry.  Thank you for your time.

Respectfully,