(Dec. 21, 2017) During the past three years, an average of 368 visitors to the Assateague Island National Seashore were assessed a charge for going to the park on a bus tour with a non-commercial group.

The National Park Service is considering raising that fee from $5 per person for a seven-day pass to $10 per person to bring the rate in line with what other parks charge.

“We certainly want to keep recreational use of the park affordable,” Park Superintendant Deborah Darden said. “With this change, we will keep our prices in line with other National Seashores around the country.”

The park service estimates about 2.3 million people visit the National Seashore each year.

“Eighty percent of the money collected from entrance and camping fees stays right here at Assateague to improve facilities, infrastructure, and visitor services,” Darden said.

Entrance fees for non-commercial groups visiting the park by bus are not charged to persons under 16 years of age or to holders of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Senior, Access, Military, and Every Kid in a Park (fourth grade) passes. These passes may be obtained at the seashore.

The proposed change will also not affect visitors entering the park via Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, only those entering the park through the Maryland entrance.

“We invite the public to share their thoughts and comments,” Darden said. Comments can be submitted to the online NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website at: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/ASISFeeIncrease2018 before Jan. 19, 2018.

Alternatively, written comments can be mailed to Superintendent Deborah Darden ATTN: Fee Change Comments Assateague Island National Seashore, 7206 National Seashore Lane, Berlin, Maryland 21811.