The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior have announced that the public comment period for proposed fee increases at 17 national parks has been extended to December 22nd. Under the proposal, the peak season entrance fee for a seven-day pass to each park would be $70 per private, non-commercial vehicle, $50 per motorcycle, and $30 per person on bike or foot. A park-specific annual pass for any of the 17 parks would be available for $75.

The deadlines, originally scheduled for November 23, have been extended to accommodate interest in this issue from members of Congress and the public. Already, more than 65,000 comments have been received on the proposals.

You can read our breakdown of the NPS budget numbers and how the fee increases may not improve conditions at National parks here. Public comment can be made here.