Vermont
Vermont seeks dynamic pricing for state park access
MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – The state of Vermont wants more flexibility in how it charges for access to state parks.
Right now, fees are determined by location, size, and type of camping.
However, leaders say parking at state parks and ponds is seeing more foot traffic, and costs of maintaining them have gone up.
The Department of Forest Parks and Recreation wants to be able to price campsites and day-use parks more dynamically.
There’s no proposal to raise fees now, but if approved, some state parks could see increased fees depending on their popularity, the date, and location.
“It is trying to find that balance of covering costs, providing the service parkgoers have come to expect and making sure we aren’t creating unintentional barriers for people who want to enjoy our fabulous state lakes,” said Julie Moore, Vermont Natural Resources Secretary.
She adds that last year’s Vermont ‘Parks Forever’ initiative, which allows for people who receive three squares benefits free entry to parks, meant an additional 30,000 visits last year.
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