According to Senator Wyden’s office, this is the first time the U.S. is requiring proof of residency to access public lands
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) is calling on the Trump administration to pause its plan to raise national park entrance fees, calling the move “discriminatory.”
Wyden is among a group of five senators who sent a letter to Interior Department Secretary Doug Burgum, raising concerns over national park entrance fee increases set to take place January 1.
The senators argue the fee increases are taking place without proper notice, will slow entry into the parks and will limit visits from international tourists.
In November, the Department of the Interior announced a new fee structure, which will charge non-residents $250 for an annual national park pass. The passes will cost $80 for United States citizens and residents. According to Sen. Wyden’s office, this is the first time the U.S. is requiring proof of residency to access public lands.
The new fee structure also requires non-residents ages 16 and up, who do not have an annual pass, to pay $100 to enter 11 of the most visited parks in the country.
“America’s national parks serve as destinations for visitors both domestically and internationally to experience our country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and history,” the senators wrote Interior Secretary Burgum. “While we understand that entrance and recreation fees are vital to enhancing the visitor experience, we want to ensure all feel welcome to enjoy all national treasures. Since these new fees are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, we strongly believe these fees are being implemented too quickly, without public input, and will be a barrier for both residents and non-residents alike.”
“We request that you stop implementation of the new non-resident passes and fees until the public has an opportunity to weigh in, impacts to visitation are studied, and clarity on implementation is provided to Congress, (National Park Service) employees, and impacted stakeholders,” the senators added.
The lawmakers raised concerns that the fee increases would further strain park workers as the Trump administration has cut 24% of permanent Park Service employees since January. The senators warned that the staffing cuts could compound entry delays, especially at popular national park destinations.
In their letter, the senators note, “According to the International Inbound Travel Association, overseas visitation is down more than 3% and Canadian visitation is down 25%. International visitors spent $254 billion in the United States in 2024 and national parks are often part of their itinerary.”
Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) led the letter alongside Sen. Wyden. The letter was also signed by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).
