Two-Thirds of Americans say Zinke Fee Hike Will Keep Them Away from National Parks

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Sierra Club responded to the release of a bipartisan poll that found that sixty-eight percent of Americans oppose the Trump administration’s plan to more than double entry fees at some of our nation’s most iconic national parks. The poll also found that raising fees is likely to keep many families away from national parks; sixty-five percent of those polled said they would be less likely to visit a national park if fees were increased. This comes at the end of a public comment period that had to be extended due to broad interest and public outcry, including nearly 200,000 comments from members of environmental and conservation groups.

In response, Jackie Ostfeld, Associate Director of Sierra Club’s Outdoors Campaign released the following statement:

“Two-thirds of Americans say they are less likely to visit our nation’s national parks if Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke doubles entry fees. That’s understandable - from the tax scam to undermining affordable health care, middle- and low-income families are under attack by this administration. If Zinke gets his way and raises fees, our national parks will become playgrounds for the wealthy few. At the same time, he is cutting royalty fees and throwing the doors open wide to the fossil fuel industry. It’s clear where Zinke’s loyalties lie - with the fossil fuel industry, not with the people who explore and enjoy national parks. Now is the time to double down on our efforts to protect our lands and ensure that all people have opportunities to explore and enjoy them.”