National Parks. 2020 free days.

[SamIam]

https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm


Free = a mob scene, but still.

[cpaharley2008]

Saw a blurb on news about Amazon, Starbucks and wifi being allowed in National Parks via food trucks, big mistake in my view.

[Oldtimer]

Agreed I can see the Starbucks cups on the trails now and other trash

[padlin]

Any idea if the half billion $ park service cuts are going into effect in 2020? I think Starbucks is already in one of the parks.

[SamIam]

Plus restrictions on the Geezer Card are being considered.

“7. Clarification of current practices that offer 50% senior discounts to campers over the age of 62 (established by the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act) that apply only to base campsite fees, and introduction of new senior fee blackout periods during peak season periods;”


It’s a really long document but here is the plan. Attachment 3 is most relevant to camping.


https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1892/upload...-Oct102019.pdf


If there is a way to monetize our public lands, it will be found.

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by SamIam

Plus restrictions on the Geezer Card are being considered.

“7. Clarification of current practices that offer 50% senior discounts to campers over the age of 62 (established by the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act) that apply only to base campsite fees, and introduction of new senior fee blackout periods during peak season periods;”


It’s a really long document but here is the plan. Attachment 3 is most relevant to camping.


https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1892/upload...-Oct102019.pdf



If there is a way to monetize our public lands, it will be found.

Seems like a good election question for this next year. The Starbucks thing is easier, require Park specific packaging and put a $20 deposit on each piece of paper or Cup. Nickel cans don't lay around in Iowa’s public parks very long. Old geezers recovering from hip surgery with a walking edict from the MD, vulture them up when they are still cold.
A $20 cup could cause a cane fight.
Iowa Dave

[SamIam]

Originally Posted by Oldtimer

Agreed I can see the Starbucks cups on the trails now and other trash

The previous ban on selling disposable plastic water bottles in NP's has been reversed. More trash.

"The International Bottled Water Association applauds the decision. "The rescinded policy was seriously flawed," says Jill Culora, the trade group's vice president of communications, in a statement."

[cpaharley2008]

Great, plastic in our rivers and ocean. There is no end in sight, sorry to say....

[Vermilye]

Bad timing on my part - I'm heading out of a Texas SP on Sunday (their free admission day) and won't hit Big Bend until after Veteran's day (not that it matters since I have a senior card).

[alanmalk]

Originally Posted by Vermilye

Bad timing on my part - I'm heading out of a Texas SP on Sunday (their free admission day) and won't hit Big Bend until after Veteran's day (not that it matters since I have a senior card).

It may not matter this year but Big Bend is being considered for a "pilot" program to privatize the campgrounds. So much for hosting...
--
Alan

[Vermilye]

That doesn't sound good - you have been there for years, haven't you?

[SamIam]

Originally Posted by alanmalk

It may not matter this year but Big Bend is being considered for a "pilot" program to privatize the campgrounds. So much for hosting...
--
Alan

And part of the privatization is to allow the concessionaire to use "market pricing" when setting the rates for the NP campground. They can look at what nearby commercial campgrounds, like the KOA , charge and then set their rates accordingly.

Great for the concessionaire; not so great for the family looking for an economical summer vacation.

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by SamIam

And part of the privatization is to allow the concessionaire to use "market pricing" when setting the rates for the NP campground. They can look at what nearby commercial campgrounds, like the KOA , charge and then set their rates accordingly.

Great for the concessionaire; not so great for the family looking for an economical summer vacation.

That won't work so well for Big Bend - there are no nearby commercial campgrounds...

[cpaharley2008]

I still receive US Gov't info
BLM to offer buyouts for workers who don’t want to relocate
In today’s Federal Newscast, the Bureau of Land Management said it will offer both early-outs and buyouts to parts of its workforce.https://federalnewsnetwork.com/feder...t-to-relocate/

[padlin]

Originally Posted by Vermilye

That won't work so well for Big Bend - there are no nearby commercial campgrounds...

Sure there are, nearby is just Texas sized.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by SamIam

And part of the privatization is to allow the concessionaire to use "market pricing" when setting the rates for the NP campground. They can look at what nearby commercial campgrounds, like the KOA , charge and then set their rates accordingly.

Great for the concessionaire; not so great for the family looking for an economical summer vacation.

This news is very distressing . Last few years finally having the time to visit National Parks with the senior pass . Pat