Pinnacles National Park will be holding open forums to discuss possible fee increases from 2015 through 2019. The current park entrance fees have been in place since August 2014. The National Park Service is proposing to increase the entrance fees as follows:

• Per Person (Entry Valid for 7 Days)
  from - $5.00 to $10.00 in 2015 and $12 by 2017
• Per Motorcycle (Entry Valid for 7 Days)
  from $10.00 to $15.00 in 2015 and $20 in 2017
• Per Vehicle (Entry Valid for 7 Days)
  from $10.00 to $15.00 in August 2015to $20.00 in 2017 and to $25.00 in 2019
• Park Annual Pass (Entry Valid for 1 year form Date of Purchase)
  from $15.00 to $25.00 in 2015 to $35 in 2017 and $50 in 2019.

These rates will bring the park in line with other similar National Parks.

Entrance fees are not charged to persons under 16 years of age or holders of the Interagency Annual Pass or Federal Recreational Senior, Access, or Military Passes. These passes may be obtained at the Park.

"We recognize the need to keep the park experience affordable while at the same time balancing the need to improve the park facilities," said Pinnacles National Park Superintendent Karen Beppler-Dorn. "The money from the most recent fee increase was used to implement a shuttle system throughout the park. Increasing entrance fees will be used for improvements at the park in visitor facilities such as restrooms, campgrounds, a visitor center, and improved trail signage."

Other projects that have been completed as a result of fee money include: Trail improvements on the High Peaks Trail, new road signs, and rehabilitation of resource damage.

Pinnacles National Park is a strong economic engine for the surrounding area. In 2013, more than 237,677 park visitors contributed $13,000,000 to the local economy and supported 158jobs related to tourism.

Comments on the Fee Increases may be posted on the park's Facebook page. Comment cards will also be available at park visitor centers. Comments may be emailed to the Park Public Affairs Officer Jan Lemons or call: 831-389-4486 X237.

Following the public engagement feedback will determine how, or if, a fee increase would be implemented.

A public meeting is scheduled:

Day: Saturday December 13th

Time: 2:00pm

Location: Pinnacles National Park Campground Amphitheatre.

Comments will be accepted via telephone, online, and in person until January 4th, 2015.