Concerned About Possible Fee Increases with Minimal Public Input at Everglades National Park, Ros-Lehtinen and Diaz-Balart Send Letter to Acting Superintendent Krumenaker

Concerned About Possible Fee Increases with Minimal Public Input at Everglades National Park, Ros-Lehtinen and Diaz-Balart Send Letter to Acting Superintendent Krumenaker

“It is concerning that Everglades National Park wants to hike fees but fails to provide appropriate notice and opportunity for meaningful public comment that ensures all local park users’ concerns are heard and genuinely reviewed.”

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) and Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) sent a letter to Everglades National Park’s Acting Superintendent Bob Krumenaker about recently proposed fee increases for park visitors and users. The unexpected jump in fees for access to the park includes an increase from $10 to $25 for vehicle entrance, $5 per person to $8 per person for cyclists or pedestrians, and a doubling of the cost of an annual pass from $25 to $50.

Miami-Dade residents will have only one meeting, scheduled little more than a week after the proposed fees were publicly announced, to express their concerns with park staff. Two other meetings are set to take place later in the Keys.

Statement by Ros-Lehtinen and Diaz-Balart:

“It is concerning that Everglades National Park wants to hike fees but fails to provide appropriate notice and opportunity for meaningful public comment that ensures all local park users’ concerns are heard and genuinely reviewed. Many of our constituents, and our own families, enjoy visiting the park and these rate hikes could make regular family outings to this South Florida treasure cost-prohibitive. We urge Acting Superintendent Krumenaker to ensure local residents have ample opportunities to comment on any changes that affect access to their park.”

To view the letter, please click here.

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