Natural History Wanderings

Press Release from California Department of Parks and Recreation

California State Parks today announced it will be raising the price of four of its annual passes as of May 1, 2012. Day use and camping fees will remain at 2009 levels.

The passes to be increased are as follows:
Annual Passes to be Raised     Current    New
Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass             $125    $195

Golden Poppy Vehicle Day                 $90    $125

Use Pass Boat Use Pass (Sticker)       $75    $100

Limited Use Golden Bear Pass            $10    $20

The last major fee increase was in August 2009, when State Parks raised the price for day use and camping, but did not raise the price of the above listed passes. This increase will bring the price of the annual passes more in line with the standard of 12-15 visits to pay for an annual pass.
State Parks is not sure of how much revenue this will generate in the short term, but roughly estimates between $1 million and $1.5 million per year more for state parks as visitors get accustomed to the new prices.    This is not enough to prevent park closures brought about by the $22 million reduction in the State Parks’ budget, but it will help mitigate the severe service reductions at parks remaining open throughout the system.