Waive Entrance Fees At National Parks

Americans aren't visiting our national parks because they simply aren't the bargain they once were. Since 2007, 131 park units have raised their prices -- at a time when inflation has stayed essentially zero.

The rising costs to visitors reflect inadequate federal support. Park funding in 2010 was $3.16 billion -- less than 0.1 percent of federal spending. The National Park Service's 2011 budget request was $15 million below 2010. And with a new budget freeze, Congress isn't likely to be generous. If we see higher admission fees make up the difference, attendance will continue to slide.

Last month, President Obama encouraged all Americans to "explore the great outdoors." Ken Burns' recent PBS documentary "National Parks: America's Best Idea" put a spotlight on these natural and historic treasures.

We can make sure all Americans have the opportunity to visit our national parks with one simple step: make them admission-free. While park admission fees are not high, waiving them would be a catalyst and incentive to come.

Just check the attendance at free national monuments: It's hitting record highs.

We can afford it. The Grand Canyon brought in 4.3 million people in 2009. At a price of $12 a person, that's $51 million from admission fees. The federal government can cover that; one Apache helicopter costs $50 million.

Waiving entrance fees would not only motivate people to visit parks, but stimulate local economies. Spending by non-local visitors at national parks provided $10.6 billion in 2008, according to Interior Secretary Salazar.

More visitors mean more money for tour operators, hotels, restaurants, gift shops it's a stimulus for America's rural areas.