Public Comment Period Open for Proposed Fee Change

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public input on a potential change to entrance fees in the fall of 2024 for Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). In accordance with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004, the proposed fee schedule for the refuge will be open for public comment. The public comment period will last from September 18 through October 2. The current refuge fees have been in place since 2007. Parker River NWR proposes eliminating the $2.00 bicycle/pedestrian entrance fee per person. No fee increases or other changes to the refuge fee schedule are proposed.

Eighty percent of all money collected by the refuge from passes and permits, except for the Federal Duck Stamp, remains at the refuge to be used for visitor services and facility improvements. On average, bicycle/pedestrian fees comprise less than 1% of the refuge's annual revenue. As such, the refuge anticipates no significant negative impacts on visitor services. Potential positive impacts include incentivizing car-free travel to reduce congestion and emissions, and streamlining gatehouse fee collection operations, particularly when it is needed most in summer months.

Refuge Manager Matt Hillman encourages interested parties to provide feedback on the proposed fee changes. This will help the refuge gain a better perspective of the visitors who enjoy the refuge. Comments may be emailed to [email protected], or mailed to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA 01950.