                                ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Monday, December 2, 1996               TAG: 9612020057
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C-4  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press

GREAT OUTDOORS GETTING COSTLIER

So, planning to load up the family and head for a day in Shenandoah National Park any time next year? If so, along with your picnic lunch, sunscreen and blanket, be prepared to take along a little extra cash.

Shenandoah Park, along with 46 other national parks, is raising its fees beginning next year. The cost of getting your carload in at Shenandoah will double to $10, and those going in on foot will pay $5, an increase of $2.

The cost of an annual pass will rise from $15 to $20.

The price hikes are part of a three-year test program to determine whether park-goers are willing to pay more to enjoy the great outdoors.

Shenandoah officials say increased revenue from the fees could pay for the restoration of historic Camp Hoover, the sprucing up of entrance stations and the Byrd Visitor Center, and to preserve the Big Meadows landscape.

``The majority of visitors understand that managing our public lands is a major financial investment,'' said Bill Wade, superintendent at Shenandoah.

``While most of that investment comes from the general tax base, those who use these areas for recreation derive a greater benefit from - and place a greater burden on - resources than the public at large,'' he said.

The 196,000-acre park along the Blue Ridge Mountains has an annual budget of $8.5 million. It takes in almost $2 million a year in entrance and recreation fees, but 85 percent of that goes to the U.S. Treasury. Under the pilot program, the park will keep 80 percent of the additional fees.

``We think that's just one of the good things about this program,'' said park spokeswoman Lyn Rothgeb. ``But we'll be reviewing it. We're certainly trying to see how the public accepts the new fees and how much help they are to us.''

Fee also will increase at 42 sites managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and 17 sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

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by CNB