Federal parks access for seniors going from $10 to $80

[TexasTowelie]

HARLINGEN, TEXAS — One of the most popular senior benefits in the Rio Grande Valley is about to become a lot more expensive.

Once they hit age 62, U.S. citizens or permanent residents can purchase a Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass for $10, allowing free entry to wildlife refuges, national parks and more.

But due to a new congressional mandate, that $10 lifetime pass is going up to $80 on Aug. 28.

The Senior Pass can be used at more than 2,000 sites managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Senior Pass has cost $10 since 1994. Until Aug. 28, seniors 62 years of age or older can still purchase the lifetime Senior Pass for $10.

Read more: http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_f4bd8936-6a9e-11e7-8a6f-1f14b51281ad.html

[Achilleaze]

1. "Ha ha, Geezers." - republicans

[smirkymonkey]

9. Add him to the "World's most punchable faces hall-of fame".

I hate that miserable bastard with a passion.

[LonePirate]

2. They surely approve of this increase given their voting preference for the white guy.

[former9thward]

12. The increase was signed by Obama in December, 2016.

The money is needed to maintain and improve infrastructure in our national parks. Why progressives are complaining about money going for improvements which people need is beyond me.

[snooper2]

3. For a lifetime pass? That seems more than reasonable still LOL

I'm going to Colorado in a couple weeks and non-resident fishing license is $21 for 5 days, plus $10 for first time habitat stamp, plus $5 for a second rod stamp.


At least it is slightly cheaper than when did a trip to Floriduh

[NCTraveler]

5. That is what it's like going to NC for a fishing trip in the rivers.

A bit more expensive than what you outlined but close.

[Old Terp]

13. It's the best $10 I've ever spent, and I even had to replace a lost pass

I may even slip over to a federal park and pick up a spare pass in case I lose my current one. It's a great value. Entrance into may parks is more than $10. Let's face it, care of the parks has not been a budget priority. Maybe I should just hold on and pay the higher price if I misplace my current pass. National Parks, Monuments and such are treasures.

[NCTraveler]

4. One of the best $80 values I have ever seen. nt.

[Blue_true]

15. Sure sounds like it. nt

[liberal N proud]

6. Jesus Christ, talk about inflation!

It's just one more benefit I was looking forward to as I grow older that will not be there.

[CurtEastPoint]

7. Until Aug. 28, seniors 62 years of age or older can still purchase the lifetime Senior Pass for $10.

Do it before the deadline. It's 10 for the pass and 10 for 'processing' etc. so twenty bucks. It's 10 if you do it in person as certain parks.

[mopinko]

10. it's only $10 if you get one at a park.

took a road trip w a friend of mine last week to get mine.

it gets a whole car load in if they charge by the car load, and get you and 3 other people in if they charge by the head.

[CurtEastPoint]

11. Yes, I wrote that in my response. But check because it's not all parks.

[Retrograde]

17. Not just parks either

I got mine at a National Wildlife Preserve in Fremont, CA. They don't charge admission, but they do do a good business in senior passes.

Most national monuments and national historic sits carry them as well.

[csziggy]

18. My husband and I got our passes at the US Forestry Office here in Tallahassee

And only paid $10 each. Check the list: https://store.usgs.gov/sites/default/files/PassIssuanceList.pdf

There may be some office near to you that would be more convenient than one of the parks.

[liberal N proud]

20. Will not make the cut

[Blue_true]

16. Entrance to more than 2,000 for $80.

That is the best deal that I have ever seen other that having it for $10 or outright free.

[liberal N proud]

21. Yes it's still a bargain but my frustration is how I always miss the cut

Things like pensions, my company killed our pensions just as I was starting to make money in it.
Next 401K just as my 401K is about to make big gains, and my salary was finally making a descent living, they eliminated my position.

It just one thing after another where I keep getting the hard knocks and have to fight against the current again.
Even selling my house was one hit after another.
Finding another job has been a nightmare.

I just can't catch a break, so I just needed to vent again.

[Blue_true]

22. Hang in.

You may not consider it, but moving to some places in Florida or Georgia may be wise if you live in the Northeast now. The difference is house and land prices allows you to get a new home for less. Clear land runs $10,000-20,000 per acre near cities, less for the country. You can build a solid small house for $50,000. If you house is worth $165,000-$300,000, you can sell it, buy one down here and pocket a lot of what is left to use to get you to retirement. Also in Florida, you can raise chickens or have a horse and call yourself a farmer, that gives you big tax advantage as I sadly found out after a recent large gain (I paid the taxes because I was not a "farmer&quot .

Plus, we can always use more liberals here.

[Ms. Toad]

8. Don't rub it in. I'll miss it by 1 year and 28 days. n/t

[shanti]

14. Missed the deadline by 3 months, dammit!

Why the arbitrary August deadline? They could have taken it to the end of the year!

[Grammy23]

19. My husband and I got ours 6 years ago at the

Guard Shack entrance to Gulf Islands National Seashore when the entrance fee (good for 7 days) was $8.00 per carload. That fee has risen to $15.00 per carload. We paid $10.00 each and only took a few minutes and a look at our ID. Well worth the cost as we have used it countless times going out to the beach and Fort Pickens located there, a 30 minute drive from our house. We have used it at several national parks including Acadia and Shenandoah last fall.

Even if you have to pay $80 for your pass, it is worth the entrance fees you will save if you travel to National Parks, Forests or National Seashore properties. We call it our Geezer pass and yes, it will get non-geezers through the gate if they are in the car with you!

[GreenEyedLefty]

23. We spend $80 every year and it is money well spent.

Since 2010 our family has visited 31 national parks plus too many to count national monuments, memorials, museums, battlefields, lakeshores and wildlife refuges. We have gained so much for such a small price tag.