What Is The Military Veterans And Gold Star Family Free Access Program
The Interagency Annual Military Pass provides free entrance to national parks and other federal recreation areas to current U.S. military members and their dependents, U.S. military veterans, and Gold Star Families.
The entrance fee waiver does not cover expanded amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, transportation, special recreation permits, reservation fees or special tours.
For more information about the Interagency Military Pass Program, please visit USGS Pass Store – Military Pass Frequently Asked Questions.
National Park Service Offering Lifetime Pass To Veterans And Gold Star Families November 10 2022 412 Am The Pass Offers Free Access To More Than 2000 Federal
And earlier this week the Department of Interior announced the availability of a free lifetime pass for veterans and Gold Star families to more than 2000 federal recreation sites. Veterans and Gold Star family members will be able to get a free lifetime entrance pass for federal parks and recreation sites nationwide starting Nov. For current US. Veterans who have been medically determined to have a disability are eligible for the Lifetime Access Passwith three options for obtaining the pass.
On Veterans Day 2022 the National Park Service will unveil a lifetime pass providing free entrance to national parks for Veterans and their families. Starting on Veterans Day military veterans and their families can get the free lifetime pass at any national park that would normally charge an entrance fee according to a Nov. 11 veterans of the US. WASHINGTON – Today the Biden-Harris Administration announced that starting on Veterans Day Nov.
Veterans will need to present one of the following forms of identification where entrance fees are collected. Disabled Veterans can apply in person at a. Veteran classification on a US. Armed Services and Gold Star Families can.
Veterans of the US. Department of Defense Identification Card CAC Card Veteran Health Identification. Drivers license or identification card To receive a pass visit a National Parks or parks and land agency store or staffed fee kiosk or. First Veterans with disability.
| Entrance Passes U S National Park Service |
Annual Entrance Pass Options
Individual Annual Entrance Pass – $60, plus tax.
- The Individual Annual Entrance Pass provides day-use park entry for a single, named passholder.
- Additional people accompanying the passholder are admitted at $2 per person, except at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, where the standard admission fee applies.
- The named passholder must be present to use this pass.
Family Annual Entrance Pass – $120, plus tax.
- The Family Annual Entrance Pass provides day-use park entry for up to a total of eight people entering as a group,* except at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, where the family pass is good for admission of up to two people, including the passholder. The Family Annual Entrance Pass provides a 33% discount at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.
*A group is defined as:
- All the occupants of one vehicle , including the passholder.
- Up to two motorcycles, including the passholder.
- Up to a total of eight people entering on foot or bicycles, including the passholder.
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What Should I Do If I Ordered An Annual Pass Through The Internet And It Doesn’t Show Up Before My Trip Or Arrives Damaged
If your pass does not arrive before your trip starts, or it arrives damaged, you can buy another pass at the first site you visit and return the pass ordered through the Internet for a refund.
If ordered through USGS Internet site please return the unsigned pass to:USGS, Natural Science NetworkPhone: 888-275-8747, option 2
What Is Not Covered By The Annual Pass
The Annual Pass does not cover Expanded Amenity fees such as camping, boat launching, parking, special tours, special permits or ferries.
Also, some facilities and activities on Federal recreation lands are managed by private concessionaires. The concessionaires charge for their services as any private company does and the Pass is not valid for their services.
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How Does A Veteran Gain Free Entrance To A National Park
In national parks that charge an entrance fee, a veteran will need to present one of the following forms of identification to receive a free Interagency Military Pass:
-
Department of Defense Identification Card
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Veteran Health Identification Card
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Veteran ID Card
-
Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. drivers license or identification card
Its especially important to obtain the Interagency Military Pass to display on the vehicle dashboard at unstaffed sites. View a list of federal locations that issue passes.
At sites that do not issue annual Interagency Military Passes, showing the above forms of identification will allow free entrance.
Veterans can also obtain a free Military Pass online through the USGS Store. There is a $10 online processing fee.
Charlotte Pass Ski Resort Fined By Nsw Epa For Polluting Creek In Kosciuszko National Park
A popular New South Wales ski resort has been ordered to pay more than $200,000 for polluting waterways in the Snowy Mountains.
The NSW Land and Environment Court found the Charlotte Pass Snow Resort had failed to maintain and operate its sewage treatment plant properly, which led to 14 million litres of partially-treated sewage leaking into Spencers Creek over 78 days in 2019.
The sewage was found to have ammonia and total nitrogen levels, in excess of licence limits, which could potentially cause environmental damage.
National Parks Association chief operating officer Gary Dunnett said operators in Kosciuszko National Park needed to do better.
“We have to demand that any lessee that is occupying one of the most sensitive landscapes in Australia is maintaining their equipment,” Mr Dunnett said.
“And is using the highest possible measures to ensure that they don’t adversely impact the environment.
“It’s really disappointing to see that it’s got to that point.”
The resort had pleaded guilty to polluting the waterways and this week was convicted and fined in the Land and Environment Court.
In her judgement, Justice Rachel Pepper said the concentration of ammonia in one sample taken downstream of the treatment plant was “more than 600 times greater” than those taken upstream of the plant.
The court also found that the damage caused by the pollution was actually foreseeable by the resort.
Further development plans a concern
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Don’t Ignore Other Money
Active-duty military members, veterans, and their families can also take advantage of other money-saving deals. Life is expensive, so every discount adds up, and can help you reach your personal finance goals sooner.
Here are some other deals that you won’t want to miss:
- Apple: A 10% discount is available to current and veteran members of the U.S. Military, National Guard and Reserve and immediate family members residing in the same household.
- Costco: Current, retired, and veteran military members can get a $20 Costco digital gift card when becoming a new Costco member.
- Home Depot: Get 10% off eligible purchases , available to active-duty military members, veterans, and their spouses.
- The North Face: A 10% discount is available to active, reservist, veteran, and retired U.S. military personnel.
- Verizon: Current military members and veterans can save up to $25/month on Verizon Wireless unlimited phone plans.
While these are just a few examples of deals, many other brands offer savings to U.S. military members and veterans. Be sure to ask if a discount is available before you rush to swipe your at the checkout line.
Are Passes Available For Disabled Veterans Or Other People With Disabilities
Yes. The Interagency Access Pass is a lifetime pass that is free for any US citizen or permanent resident, including a veteran or Gold Star Family member, who has a permanent disability. An Access Pass may also provide discounts for expanded amenities like camping, guided tours etc. For more information visit USGS Store – Access Pass.
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Free Entrance To National Parks For Veterans And Gold Star Families
- Duration:
- 1 minute, 17 seconds
The National Park Service in partnership with Operation Live Well would like to thank military personnel and their families for their service and invite them to enjoy their national parks.
Gold Star Families and US military veterans are eligible to receive free lifetime access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests. The free Military Pass is a way to thank Americas veterans, Gold Star Families, and current military and their dependents for their support of our country and to encourage them to explore recreational opportunities on their public lands and waters.
Free Lifetime Access Pass For Disabled Veterans
Disabled military veterans are eligible for the Access Pass, which gives them lifetime access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies.
Eligibility:
The Access Pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability . This includes military veterans with a disability rating.
What the Access Pass Covers:
The Access Pass provides entrance or access to pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle at Federal operated recreation sites across the country.
The Access Pass provides the pass holder a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees at many locations . However, the Access Pass does not usually cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.
How to Obtain the Access Pass:
The Access Passes may be obtained in person at no charge at a participating federal recreation site.
If you choose, you may also order an Access Pass by mail from USGS. To order by mail, you must complete and submit a paper application, proof of residency, and documentation of permanent disability. Again, this does not have to be a 100% disability.
There is a $10 document processing fee to obtain a pass through the mail, which must be paid at the time of application. Access Passes are usually issued within 10-12 weeks from the time they are received, so be sure to plan in advance.
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What Is Covered By The Free Access Program
The voucher covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees at national forests and grasslands and on lands managed by the National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and US Army Corps of Engineers.
Discounts On Annual Passes
The following discounts on the purchase of annual entrance passes are offered to persons who present satisfactory written documentation that demonstrates their eligibility:
Discounted and free passes must be obtained in person at a state park with a staffed ranger station. See our list of eligibility documents required for presentation in order for the passes to be sold/issued. Discounted and free passes cannot be issued or renewed online or by mail.
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Can Current Members Of The Military Receive Free Entrance To National Parks Who Else Can Receive Free Entrance
Current members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents can enter national parks for free with an annual Interagency Military Pass through the America the Beautiful the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program. There are a total of seven Interagency Passes available. For more information and to obtain these passes, please visit the USGS Store.
So Where Should You Go
While there are only 2 parks that are covered under this pass in Ohio, there are SO many others around the U.S. that would be free while you are traveling. Here are some popular options .
- Denali National Park & Preserve
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Death Valley National Park
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
- Yosemite National Park
- Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
- Yellowstone National Park
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Gateway Arch National Park
- Glacier National Park
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The America The Beautiful The National Parks And Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program
The Interagency Pass Program includes a free annual pass for active-duty members of the U.S. Military and their dependents. Current Military service members must show a valid Department of Defense ID. Dependents of current service members must show a valid DD Form 1173 AD or DEC.
Other free or discounted passes, including some lifetime passes, are available for persons with permanent disabilities, fourth grade students, volunteers and senior citizens age 62 years or older.
Todays National Park System
Today, the NPS oversees 417 parks and monuments that all look relatively similar to the era when they were first designated as parks. On average, over 300 million people visit parks each year and, according to the NPS, help contribute over $35 million to the U.S. economy.
The NPS is committed to preserving history and heritage within the parks. Preservation projects and programs help ensure that our past remains untouched for our future. Because historic preservation of parks and American heritage is important, the NPS has several free resources available to help everyone explore America either digitally through virtual tours or state by state. This is especially beneficial when life gets in the way and interrupts travel plans.
Plan your virtual or in-person vacation today!
Before visiting a park, please check the park website to determine its operating status. Updates about the overall NPS response to COVID-19, including safety information, are posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.
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Is There A Lifetime Pass For Veterans And Gold Star Families
Yes. Congress recently passed legislation authorizing a free lifetime pass to national parks and other federal recreation areas for eligible U.S. military veterans and Gold Star families. In recent years, they were able to receive annual passes. The new lifetime passes will be available to distribute later in 2022. Until then, Gold Star families and veterans may continue to use The Interagency Annual Military Pass with proof of eligibility as described above.
America The Beautiful Pass Annual Admission Pass To Us National Parks
Current military members are eligible for a free, annual America the Beautiful Pass. Americas robust national parks offer us all a chance to escape from the complexity of the modern world. Pristinely preserved lands and breathtaking views are just some of what the NPS has to offer. Now, using your America the Beautiful pass, its easier than ever to explore this great natural resource.
Note: The annual American the Beautiful pass generally costs $80 for those who do not qualify for the free military pass or the reduced senior rate. Seniors can buy an annual pass for $20, or a lifetime pass for $80. Military members can receive a free annual pass.
With your free pass, you receive access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Passes cover entrance fees at national parks as well as national wildlife refuges. Standard amenity fees at national forests, grasslands, and at all lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are waived as well. Your pass covers all passengers in a personal vehicle. Passes dont cover camping, boat launch, or other interpretive fees.
There isnt a specific pass for veterans or seniors, but there are pass options for you as well.
To obtain your pass, youll need to visit a national park in person. This list of federal recreation sites details all places that issue passes. Make sure you check with the park ahead of time to ensure that its open and processing applications.
Eligibility
- U.S. military retirees
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Who Is Eligible To Gain Free Access As A Member Of A Gold Star Family
Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the US Armed Forces who lost his or her life in a qualifying situation, such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the US Armed Forces. Eligibility requirements are in section 3.2 of Department of Defense Instruction 1348.36.
How To Get The New Free National Park Pass For Veterans
Starting on November 11, 2022, Veterans Day, a free national park pass for Veterans will be available. Announced by the Biden-Harris administration, U.S. Veterans and Gold Star families are now able to get free lifetime passes to over 2,000 recreation sites and federal parks. The National Park Service wants to show their thanks and appreciation to those whove served their country.
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New Lifetime Pass Gives Veterans Active Military And Families Free Access To National Parks
View from Isle Royale National Park’s Mount Ojibway tower on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016. MLive/The Grand Rapids PressMLive/The Grand Rapids Press
A new program will offer military families and veterans free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, lakeshores and forests.
The National Park Service has partnered with Operation Live Well, an initiative designed to improve the health and well-being of the defense community, to offer the free military pass.
The NPS says its a small way to say thank you to those who have served.
A free lifetime pass is available for Gold Star Families and U.S. military veterans. Current military members and their families are eligible for a free annual pass.
How do we thank you? How do we even begin to thank you for all that you have sacrificed? the NPS said in a video announcing the passes. To defend the country we love and the place we call home, you have chosen to put the nation before yourself. You inspire us. Now let us inspire you.
Your national parks are place of recreation, connections, healing and remembrance. Thank you for your service.
In Michigan, the passes will provide free access to some of the states top attractions including Isle Royale National Park, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.