Letter to Mike Reynolds, Acting Director of National Park Service - Request for Extension of Comment Period for the Proposed Entrance Fee Increase and Changes to Commercial Use Authorizations at 17 National Parks

Letter

Dear Mr. Reynolds:

We write to request an additional 30-day extension of the public comment period for both the proposed targeted fee increases at 17 National Parks and the proposed changes to road-based commercial tour commercial use authorization (CUA) requirements and fees, which is set to close on November 23, 2017. Given the large volume of responses from [Alaskans/other states] and constituents across the United States, and the impact of this new policy, it is important that you provide more than thirty days for the public to participate in the comment periods on these issues.

Although [I/we] respect the National Park Service's attempt to find solutions to the deferred maintenance backlog, raising entrance fees to this degree could unfairly burden the public and create new barriers to the visitors that you hope to reach and inspire. Likewise, the many small business owners and operators that will be impacted by increased CUA operator fees need to be provided an opportunity to assess the implications of this new policy on their businesses, employees, and customers.

I know we [both/all] believe that our National Parks are treasures that must be accessible to everyone. Given the concerns with these new proposals, it is my hope that the Park Service will provide [Alaskans/other states] and all Americans the opportunity for additional time to comment on this issue. Thank you again for consideration of this matter and [I/we] look forward to working with you on this issue moving forward.

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