Montana Senator Tester Against Higher National Park Fees

The National Park Service announced this week a plan to increase entrance fees to $70 per vehicle and $50 per motorcycle at 17 national parks - more than doubling the current entrance fee. The higher fees would be during the five most popular months at parks such as Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

Montana Senator Jon Tester opposes the plan, saying Tuesday, "Americans already own these parks and they souldn't have to empty their wallets to enjoy them. Glacier and Yellowstone should be accessible to all of us. This decision will price Montana families out of our public lands, and hurt local economies."

The National Park Service said the price increase, which also includes Grand Canyon National Park and many western U.S. parks, would raise $70 million to address a maintenance backlog and infrastructure projects.

Tester said that Congress has a responsibility to fund the maintenance backlog, without the fee increases. He urged Montanans to make their comments at the National Park Service website.

A 30-day public comment period is currently open and will close November 23.