When’s the last time you explored any of the 15.72 million acres of forestland in Virginia? If the entry fees have been a good excuse to stay home, well, this year a new excuse will be needed.
In 2012, there will be 17 days of free admission to any park in the National Park Service, announced Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. The gesture is intended to encourage Americans to explore the country’s natural beauty.
The first set of days start this weekend. All 397 national parks across the country will offer free admission from January 14 through 16 to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
"From Independence Hall to our newest national park, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, our national parks tell the story of America, from the beauty of our land to our struggle for freedom and justice," Secretary Salazar said, in a release.
"Whether or not it’s during one of the 17-fee-free days next year, I encourage everyone to visit a park near them and enjoy the remarkable landscapes and historical and cultural sites that are unique to our great country.
The fee free dates for 2012 are Jan. 14 to 16 (Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend), April 21 to 29 (National Park Week), June 9 (Get Outdoors Day), Sept. 29 (National Public Lands Day), and Nov. 10 to 12 (Veterans Day weekend). More information is available at http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.
Also, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service will waive their entrance and standard amenity fees Jan.14 to 16, June 9, Sept. 29, and Nov.10 to 12.
Salazar emphasized the economic impacts that outdoor recreation and driving tourism bring to the local communities, nationwide. He said that in 2009, recreation in national parks, refuges, and other public lands fueled nearly $55 billion in economic activity and supported 440,000 jobs.
In collaboration with the fee-free park days, numerous hotels, restaurants, gift shops, and tour operators will offer specials.
"We realize there are additional expenses when visiting a park so many associated businesses will have discounts and enhancements on the fee-free days,” National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis said in a release.
"One of the great things about a national park vacation is it can be as economical or luxurious as desired," added Jarvis. He pointed out the numerous options available in the country’s 395 national parks, with something for almost everybody.
Do you plan on taking advantage of the fee-free days? Let us know in the comments.
