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CITY OF ORT NGELES
City Council
Recreation Fee Program
1849 C Street, N.W.
Washingon DC 20240
Dear Mr. Reynolds,
The Port Angeles City Council urges the National Park Service to reconsider its proposal to raise entrance
fees to Olympic National Park from $25 to $70 per vehicle. Additionally, new or increased fees being
considered that directly affect tour operators in the park should be reconsidered. Fee increases ofthis
mapitude will decrease visitation to our area and have a detrimental eflect on our local businesses and the
Port Angeles economy.
While our economy is challenged due to its remoteness, and more recently, the ternporary closure ofone
ofthe city's largest employers, the tourism sector in Port Angeles is thriving. A great many ofthe visitors
to our area come because ofthe awe-inspiring beauty of Olympic National Park. In 2016, it was estimated
that $243 million in direct travel spending was infused into Clallam County. As the regional economic
center of Clallam County, we fear that the substantial increases to park entry fees will cause many tourists
to think twice about visiting our area.
In addition, the tourism market produces approximately 4,000 jobs in Clallam County, resulting in nearly
$84 million dollars in wages that support residents and families in our community. The median household
income in Port Angeles is $39,000, significantly lower than both state and national averages. Many ofour
residents choose to live in Port Angeles because of the amazing outdoor environment, ofwhich Olympic
National Park is the crowning jewel. We want our residents to be able to utilize the Pa* that's right in
their own backyard. At $70 per vehicle, at $30 per person on bike or foot, and up to $900 per busload,
entry into their local National Park will be difficult and will very likely significantly impact vendor
bwiness and visitor traffic in the Park.
CC:Ryan Zinke, Secretary ofthe U.S. Department ofthe Interior
Sarah Creachbaunr, Superintendent of Olympic National Park
Phone: 360-417-4500 / Fax: 360-417-4509 / TTY : 360-417 -4645
Website: www.cityotpa.us / Email : council@cityofpa.us
321 East Fifth Street / Port Angeles, WA 98362-0217
WASHINGTON, U.S.A.
! Novernber 21, 2017
I ui"tru"t T. Reynolds
I ecting oirector
I National Park Service
We understand that the National Park Service has its own challenges, particularly in funding all of its
maintenance and infrastructure work, but we ask that you consider altematives to these fee increases. Access to
our national parks should not be limited to those with means.
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LP/atrick Downie
(Muyo,