Joshua Tree National Park announced that effective June 1, park fees will increase. These increases come after extensive civic engagement from Oct. 21 to Nov. 22, 2014, and a high level of support from federal, state and county stakeholders, as well as commercial operators. Outreach included radio broadcasts, town hall meetings, local community events, print media and social media.

Generally, the public was in support of the fee increases, despite some concern that the increases be made in smaller increments than originally planned. In consideration of those concerns, the park will maintain the current fee for the annual park pass and reduce the proposed fee increase for motorcycles.

New entrance fees are:

• 7-Day Single Vehicle Pass will increase from $15 to $20. (The fee is scheduled to increase to $25 in 2017.)

• 7-Day Motorcycle Pass will increase from $5 to $10. (The fee is scheduled to increase to $12 In 2017).

• 7-Day Person Pass will increase from $5 to $10. (The fee is scheduled to increase to $12 in 2017.)

The Joshua Tree National Park Annual Pass will not increase at this time.

New camping fees are:

• Reservation campground (Indian Cove and Black Rock, Black Rock Horse Camp and Cottonwood). Individual sites increase from $15 to $20 per night/site.

• First-come, first-served campground (Belle, White Tank, Jumbo Rock, Ryan, and Hidden Valley). Individual sites increase from $10 to $15 per night/site.

• Group camping sites (Indian Cove, Sheep Pass, Cottonwood) increase from $25-$40 to $35-$50 per night/site.

There is a backcountry camping fee implementation approval using recreation.gov, however, that may take place at a later time.

New interpretive tour (Keys Ranch) fees are:

• Adult ticket will increase from $5 to $10.

• Child ticket (ages 6-11) will increase from $2.50 to $5

• Child ticket (ages 5 and under), admission is free.

For questions or comments contact Chief Ranger Jeff Ohlfs at 760-367-5540 or [email protected].