Visit the National Parks with an Annual Pass

There is a new system to gain entrance to Federal recreational sites.

U.S. Department of the Interior

The Interagency Annual Pass is now available for entrance to national parks. It replaced the Golden Eagle Passport, the National Parks Pass, and the National Parks Pass with the Golden Eagle Hologram.

There's a new way to visit the national parks and Federal recreational sites. It's called the Interagency Annual Pass. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Pass, as prepared by the U.S. Department of the Interior:

Q. What is the “America the Beautiful ─ the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass ” or the “Interagency Annual Pass?”

The Interagency Annual Pass is a convenient and affordable way to access recreation areas managed by five Federal agencies on an annual basis, with 80-100% of the proceeds being used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services.

(The Interagency Annual Pass replaced the Golden Eagle Passport, National Parks Pass and National Parks Pass with Golden Eagle Hologram.)

Q. What does the Annual Past cost and how long is it valid?

The Annual Pass costs $80 and is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase.

Q. Where is the Annual Pass honored?

The U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation honor the Annual Pass at sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees are charged. (See below for agency websites.)

Note: The Army Corps of Engineers does not currently issue or honor the Annual Pass.

Q. Where can I find information about Federal recreation lands?

Bureau of Land Management www.blm.gov

Bureau of Reclamation www.usbr.gov

Fish & Wildlife Service www.fws.gov

USDA Forest Service www.fs.fed.us

National Park Service www.nps.gov

Federal Recreation Lands www.recreation.gov

Q. Where can I purchase an Annual Pass?

The Annual Pass can be purchased via phone at 888-ASK-USGS, extension 1 (888-275-8747, extension 1); via e-mail at fedrecpass@usgs.gov; via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass , or at any participating Federal recreation site.

Q. Who qualifies for the Annual Pass?

Anyone 16 years of age and older can purchase the Annual Pass.

Q. Can lost or stolen passes be replaced? Is there a way that the serial numbers can be tracked?

No. Passes cannot be replaced if they are lost or stolen. A new Pass will need to be purchased to use the service.

Q. Are the Passes valid at un-staffed Federal recreation sites?

Yes. A free hangtag is provided with each Pass, enabling you to display the Pass so it is visible through the windshield of a vehicle.

When visiting un-staffed Federal recreation sites, place the hangtag on your rearview mirror, ensuring your Pass is facing towards your vehicle window. The back of the pass should be visible.

Q. My family is traveling in two vehicles; will one Annual Pass let all of us into the site?

No. Only the vehicle with the Pass owner is covered. The second vehicle is subject to an entrance fee or it can enter with a second Pass.

Q. If I order an Annual Pass over the Internet, when does it get validated (punched with an expiration date)?

The Pass is validated (punched) the month of purchase regardless of whether the pass is for you, or a gift for someone else. Passes are valid for 12 months beginning with the month of sale.

Q. If I ordered an Annual Pass through the Internet, and have my order confirmation receipt, is the order confirmation receipt valid for entry?

No. Confirmation letters are not valid for entry.

Q. Does the Annual Pass include any discounts at Cooperating Association bookstores, or at gift shops that are located in the Federal Recreation sites?

No. The Annual Pass does not provide discounts at Cooperating Association bookstores or on-site gift shops.

Q. Is an Annual Pass valid at State Parks or local city/county recreation areas?

No. The Annual Pass is valid at participating Federal recreation sites. Visit www.recreation.gov for more information about Federal recreation sites.

This article and hundreds more can be found on the “Member Library” at the NEA Member Benefits Web Site at www.neamb.com.