Standard Operating Procedures

THE AMERICA THE
BEAUTIFUL – THE
NATIONAL PARKS AND
FEDERAL
RECREATIONAL LANDS
PASS PROGRAM

Standard Operating Procedures
October 27, 2006

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Table of Contents
Introduction to the America The Beautiful – National Parks and
Federal Recreation Lands Pass Program……………………………… 5
Background
Product Design
General Rules
What about the potential for public confusion?
Exchanging Golden Age/Access Passports for the new Senior/Access Passes
Motorcycles

Interagency Annual Pass...……………………………………………… 8
Picture (front and back)
What is the Interagency Annual Pass?
Cost
Availability
Benefits
Validation
Pass Use

Interagency Senior Pass……………………………………………….. 11
Picture (front and back)
What is the Interagency Senior Pass?
Cost
Availability
Proof of Residency and Age
Benefits
Validation
Pass Use
50% Discount Guidelines

Interagency Access Pass……………………………………………… 14
Picture (front and back)
What is the Interagency Access Pass?
Cost
Availability
Proof of Residency and Disability
Benefits
Validation
Pass Use
50% Discount Guidelines

Volunteer Pass………………………………………………………… 18
Picture (front and back)
What is the Volunteer Pass?
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Cost
Availability
Benefits
Validation
Pass Use

Supplemental Materials……………………………………………… 20
Hangtag………………………………………………………………... 20
What is a Hangtag?
Cost
Availability
Validation
Hangtag Use
Decal…………………………………………………………………….23
What is a Decal?
Cost
Availability
Validation
Decal Use
Brochures……………………………………………………………….24
Hole Punches…………………………………………………….……..24

Where Are the New Passes Accepted?.......……………….……….... 25
Ordering Stock for Federal Recreation Sites...…………………….. 26
Ordering Products
Damaged or Missing Stock

Setting up for Sales………..…………………………………………. 27
Signs and Other Materials
Pass Use Statistics (data collection)

Pass Sales………………………………………………………………28
Pass Options – What is Right for the Visitor?
Upgrades
Voids/Refunds/Returns
Exchanging old passes for new passes and receipts from automated fee machines
Damaged Passes
Lost or Stolen Passes
Fraudulent Use (Checking ID)

Accountability………………………………………………………...31
Record of Accountable Stock
Tracking Upgrades, Refunds, and Voids
Remittance Paperwork
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Third Party Sales Agreements……………………………………….33
Destruction of Stock…………………………………………………. 34
Annual Pass End of Year Destruction

Frequently Asked Questions…………………………………………35
Definitions……………………………………………………………..45
Contacts………...…………………………………………………….. 47
Appendices …………………………………………………………....48
Secretaries Guidelines
Third Party Sales Agreements
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation)
Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
Forest Service (USDA FS)
National Park Service (NPS)

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INTRODUCTION TO THE AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL – THE NATIONAL PARKS
AND FEDERAL RECREATIONAL LANDS PASS PROGRAM
BACKGROUND
Congress Passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA), Public Law 108447, in December 2004. The new law authorized the Forest Service within the Department of
Agriculture, and the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land
Management, and Bureau of Reclamation within the Department of Interior to charge fees on
Federal recreation sites which meet certain criteria, and reinvest a majority of the revenues into
enhancing the site. REA replaced fee authority under the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program
(Fee Demo) and the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (LWCFA), and integrated several
important “lessons learned” from those and other earlier fee authorities. Recreation fees continue
to provide a vital source of revenue for improving facilities and services for visitors at a variety of
public lands throughout the nation.
REA established a new interagency pass program to replace the Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and
Golden Access Passports and the National Parks Pass. The “America the Beautiful – the
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass” program will provide a number of pass
options for the public to use at Federal recreation sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity
Fees are charged.
The new pass program is scheduled to be implemented on January 1, 2007. All passes and
materials will be available to be shipped to recreation sites in December 2006. Sales will not
begin until January 1, 2007. Once the new passes are introduced the old passes must no longer
be sold or issued. Old passes must be documented and destroyed according to agency policy,
but a small supply should be kept on hand for replacing damaged passes and exchanging
automated fee machine receipts (see additional information on page 29).
REA legislation established the name of the new passes as the “America the Beautiful –
the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass”. The phrase “America the
Beautiful” is trademarked, therefore, using it or an abbreviated acronym such as ATB is
not permitted. The passes will be informally known as the Interagency Annual Pass,
Interagency Senior Pass, and Interagency Access Pass.
An interagency pass work group has been working diligently over the past year and a half to
create a high-quality pass program that is supported by the public and partner organizations. The
passes in the new program will have a new look to distinguish them from the current Golden
Passports and National Parks Pass. Supplemental materials will also be introduced as a part of
the new program.
Primary objectives for the new passes include:
• Making them more convenient to purchase and use.
• Incorporating technologies to allow for improved data collection and to prevent misuse.
• Providing a durable, collectable, high quality product that promotes identity and support
of Federal recreation lands.
• Providing opportunities for partnerships and education about recreational opportunities
on Federal recreation lands.

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PRODUCT DESIGN
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All passes consist of a four-color 3 ¼” x 2 ¼” plastic card with a title and serial number on
the front, and a magnetic strip, signature line/s, and barcode on the back. The Annual
and Volunteer Passes also have a place for an expiration date on the back.
A scenic image is imprinted on the front of each pass. The Annual Pass image will
change each year. The image will be selected from an official annual Federal Lands
photo contest. The Senior and Access Pass images will remain the same throughout the
life of the program. The Volunteer Pass will have the same image as the Annual Pass.
Decals will have the same image as the annual pass, and will include a place for an
expiration date and associated vehicle tag number.
Hangtags are designed to display the passes on the rearview mirror of vehicles at
recreation sites where there is no regular fee enforcement staff. Each hangtag is
designed double sided to display the annual or volunteer pass on one side and the
lifetime passes on the reverse.
Annual Pass numbering will begin with 071-000001; Senior Pass numbering will begin
with 072-000001; Access Pass numbering will begin with 073-000001; Volunteer Pass
numbering will begin with 074-000001; Decal numbering will begin with 075-000001.
Passes will be shipped to sites shrink-wrapped in units of 50, smaller quantities may not
be shrink wrapped.
A brochure will be issued with each Annual Pass. It will provide the visitor with basic
information on the new pass program, the participating Federal agencies, stewardship
and volunteer opportunities, and contact information (phone numbers and websites) to
agency sites.
A second brochure is being developed that will replace the current Federal Recreation
Pass Programs brochure (all pass options), but it will not be available by January 1,
2007.

GENERAL RULES
Passes:
• Are non-transferable.
• Are non-replaceable if lost or stolen.
• Are void if altered.
• Are replaceable if damaged as long as identification is provided to validate ownership
and a portion of the pass is identifiable.
• Must be serially numbered.
• Must be signed by the pass holder(s) to be valid.
• Must be punched with an expiration date when purchased/issued, whether in person or
over the internet (Annual/Volunteer Passes).
• Do not provide a discount at friends/cooperating association bookstores, etc.

WHAT ABOUT THE POTENTIAL FOR PUBLIC CONFUSION?
As with the introduction of any new product or service, when the new interagency America the
Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes are released, there could
be ongoing confusion with the existing passes, primarily the Golden Eagle Passport, National
Parks Pass, Golden Age Passport and Golden Access Passport.
• Throughout 2007 the Golden Eagle Passport, National Parks Pass, and the new
Interagency Annual Pass will be valid; the Golden Eagle Passports and National Parks
Passes that were sold in 2006 will be honored until they expire.

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The Golden Age and the Golden Access Passports will continue to be honored for the
lifetime of the pass holder, so both passes, along with the new Interagency Senior and
Access Passes, will be valid for many years to come.

The new interagency pass program represents a commitment that the various Federal land
management agencies are working together to provide a high-quality program that will be more
consistent and understandable to the public. As the old passes are phased out, the new program
should become clearer.
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All passes may cause confusion at per person fee areas.
The existing passes- (Golden Eagle Passport, National Parks Pass, Golden Age
Passport, and Golden Access Passport) cover entrance to per person fee areas for
the pass holder, spouse, children, and/or parents.
The new interagency passes (Annual, Senior, and Access) cover entrance to per
person fee areas for the pass holder/s and up to 3 persons, not to exceed 4 persons,
(16 and older).
In the event that this change creates difficulty, good judgment and customer service
should dictate the best way to handle a situation. (Example: Allowing a family of
more than 4 adults to enter a site on a new Senior Pass may be warranted with a
verbal understanding that the policy has changed and may be enforced the next
time).

EXCHANGING THE GOLDEN AGE and GOLDEN ACCESS PASSPORTS FOR THE
NEW SENIOR AND ACCESS PASSES
Paper Golden Age and Access Passports should be exchanged for the new Senior and Access
Passes free of charge in order to facilitate future data collection. However, if individuals do not
wish to give up their old pass, they are not REQUIRED to do so.
Existing plastic Golden Age and Access Passports are valid for a lifetime and should not be
exchanged. If visitors ask to trade these in, explain that their pass is still valid. If they have a
Golden Access Pass and insist on trading it in, do so at no charge. If the pass is a Golden Age,
they should be charged the $10 fee for the new pass. (The passes are not free to produce and
there are millions of these passes out there so it is cost prohibitive to allow exchange of these
passes).
When the new Senior and Access Passes become available on January 1, 2007, all unused
paper and plastic Golden Age and Access Passports must be documented and destroyed
according to agency guidelines.

MOTORCYCLES
In the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), motorcycles are considered vehicles. In the past,
many recreation sites have opted to charge motorcycles an individual fee rather than a full vehicle
fee. For consistency, all sites should now treat motorcycles as individual vehicles.
However, due to the fact that two individuals may sign one annual pass and that it is very likely
that those two individuals may travel together on separate motorcycles, they shall be admitted on
separate motorcycles with one pass. Furthermore, both persons who sign a single Annual Pass
are entitled to each be issued one decal (see DECAL instructions on page 23).

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INTERAGENCY ANNUAL PASS

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WHAT IS THE INTERAGENCY ANNUAL PASS?
Congress created the new interagency America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal
Recreational Lands Annual Pass in Public Law 108-447, December 2004. The pass will be
introduced and available for sale to the public on January 1, 2007. The new Interagency Annual
Pass will replace the Golden Eagle Passport, the National Parks Pass, and the National Parks
Pass with Golden Eagle Sticker. The annual pass will be replaced each year. A Federal
Lands photo contest will be held each year. The grand prize winning image, selected by a panel
of judges representing each agency, will be featured on the subsequent year’s annual pass.
Information on the current contest for the 2008 annual pass image can be found at
http://www.sharetheexperience.org.
COST
• The price of the Annual Pass has not yet been determined. Once a final decision is
made by the Departmental Leadership the price will be announced. The announcement
is expected to take place by mid November.
AVAILABILITY
• The pass will be available for purchase by the general public and will be valid for one
year from the month of purchase.
• The pass will be available for purchase at Federal recreation sites that charge an
Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee, and that are staffed by fee collection personnel. The
pass will also be available at many Federal agency offices.
• The pass will be sold by participating cooperating associations and at some national
retailers. See information on third party marketing guidelines on page 33 and in the
appendices.
• The pass will be available for public purchase via the internet at the USGS store –
http://store.usgs.gov/pass. Passes sold over the internet will be punched with an
expiration date prior to shipment.
• The Annual Pass may be purchased as a gift, but it must be punched with an expiration
date at the time of sale.
BENEFITS
• Covers entrance to Fish and Wildlife Service Refuges (FWS) and National Park Service
(NPS) sites that charge an Entrance Fee.
• Covers use of Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Reclamation
(Reclamation), and Forest Service (USDA FS) sites that charge a Standard Amenity Fee.
VALIDATION
• The pass must be validated at the time of purchase to expire 12 months from the actual
date of purchase. (Explanation: there are a large number of unstaffed recreation sites
particularly in the USDA FS. If passes are not validated at the time of sale, they may be
used without being validated for an extended period of time).
• The pass will have two signature lines. The pass is not valid until it is signed, so the
purchaser must sign the pass with first and last name in the presence of the seller at the
point of sale. Any two individuals may sign the pass regardless of their relationship to
one another.
• Passes purchased over the internet or as gifts must be punched with an expiration date
at the time of sale and must be signed prior to or at or first use.
PASS USE
• The pass belongs to the signer/s only and s/he must be present for the pass to be used.
• The pass admits the pass holder/s and any accompanying passengers in a private noncommercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas, and pass holder and up to 3 persons, not to

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exceed 4 persons, (16 and older) at per person fee areas. Persons 15 and younger are
admitted free of charge.
At unstaffed sites, the pass holder/s must display the pass in the window of their vehicle.
Hangtags- with expiration date noted- will be provided to the pass holder/s to visibly
display the pass on a rear view mirror or by other means.
Motorcycles: At sites with per vehicle entrance fees the Annual Pass will cover entrance
for the pass holder/s on two motorcycles.
The pass is not valid for Expanded Amenity Fees such as camping, tours, boat launches,
or concession charges.
At staffed Federal recreation sites when an Annual Pass is presented for entrance or use
the pass should be checked for valid date and signature.
Since passes are nontransferable the verification of ownership is a legitimate component
of the program. Photo identification should be requested to verify pass ownership.
If a visitor has not received a pass ordered on the internet prior to leaving on trip, a
purchase confirmation letter is not valid for entry, nor is a credit card statement or receipt
showing purchase of a pass. The visitor may choose to purchase another pass and
when the one they ordered over the internet arrives they can return it to USGS for a
refund (as long as the pass has not been used).

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INTERAGENCY SENIOR PASS

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WHAT IS THE INTERAGENCY SENIOR PASS?
Congress created the new interagency America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal
Recreational Lands Senior Pass in Public Law 108-447, December 2004. The pass will be
introduced and available for sale to the public on January 1, 2007. The new Senior Pass will
replace the Golden Age Passport. Existing Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored.
COST
• $10 Lifetime
AVAILABILITY
• The pass will be available for purchase at Federal recreation sites that charge an
Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee, and that are staffed by fee collection personnel. The
pass will also be available at many Federal agency offices.
• The pass may be purchased by U.S. Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. that are
62 years of age or older.
• Due to the eligibility requirements stated above, the Senior Pass may only be purchased
in person at Federal recreation sites.
PROOF OF RESIDENCY AND AGE
• To verify proof of age and residency the visitor must show a driver’s license, passport,
birth certificate, or permanent resident card (green card).
• To confirm residency a few questions may need to be asked. To help determine if a
person is a permanent resident use the definition below for Domicile.
Domicile – the permanent residence of a person or the place to which s/he intends to
return even though s/he may reside elsewhere.
• The country in which a person is eligible to draw Federal health and retirement
benefits is usually the country in which s/he is domiciled.
• A person may have more than one residence, but only one domicile.
BENEFITS
• Covers entrance to Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Park Service (NPS)
sites that charge an Entrance Fee.
• Covers use of Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Reclamation
(Reclamation), and Forest Service (USDA FS) sites that charge a Standard Amenity Fee.
• The pass may provide a discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees such as camping,
and guided tours.
VALIDATION
• The pass will have one signature line. The pass is not valid until it is signed, so the
purchaser must sign the pass with first and last name in the presence of the seller at the
point of sale.
PASS USE
• The pass belongs to the signer only and s/he must be present for the pass to be used.
• The pass admits the pass holder and any accompanying passengers in a private noncommercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas, and pass holder and up to 3 persons (16
and older) at per person fee areas. Persons 15 and younger are admitted free of charge.
• At unstaffed sites, the pass holder must display the pass in the window of their vehicle.
• Hangtags will be provided to the pass holder to visibly display the pass on a rear view
mirror or by other means.
• Motorcycles: At sites with per vehicle entrance fees the Senior Pass will cover entrance
for the pass holder on one motorcycle only.

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At staffed Federal recreation sites, when a Senior Pass is presented for entrance or use,
the pass should be checked for validity.
Since passes are nontransferable the verification of ownership is a legitimate component
of the program. Photo identification should be requested to verify pass ownership.
If the pass holder is deceased, their pass may not be transferred to someone else e.g.
spouse.

50% DISCOUNT GUIDELINES
• Individual Campsites: The discount only applies to the fee for the campsite physically
occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional campsite(s) occupied by members of
the pass holder’s party.
• Sites with Utility Hookups: If utility fees are charged for separately there is no discount.
The discount only applies if the utility fee is combined (seamless) with the campsite fee.
• Group Campsites and Facilities (including, but not limited to, group facilities, picnic areas
or pavilions): There is no discount for group campsites and other group facilities that
charge a flat fee. If the group campsite has a per person fee rate, only the pass holder
receives a discount; others using the site pay the full fee.
• Guided Tours: Only the pass holder receives a discount for guided tours.
• Transportation Systems: There is no discount when an optional transportation service is
offered. However, the pass should be honored:
- If the transportation system is mandatory to access the primary resource of the
recreation site, OR
- if the transportation fee is collected in combination with the Entrance or Standard
Amenity Fee.
• Concessionaire Fees, Special Recreation, and Special Park Use Permit Fees: Discounts
do not apply to concessionaire/contractor fees unless it is required as part of their
concession/contractor authorization. Discounts do not apply to special recreation or
special park use permits.
• Although the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Tennessee Valley Authority
(TVA) were not included in REA, they will accept Senior Passes consistent with current
policy. However, they will not sell the passes.

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INTERAGENCY ACCESS PASS

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WHAT IS THE INTERAGENCY ACCESS PASS?
Congress created the new interagency America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal
Recreational Lands Access Pass in Public Law 108-447, December 2004. The pass will be
introduced and available to the public on January 1, 2007. The new Access Pass will replace the
Golden Access Passport. Existing Golden Access Passports will continue to be honored.
COST
• Free Lifetime
AVAILABILITY
• Most Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee, and that
are staffed by fee collection personnel will issue the pass. It will also be issued from
many Federal agency offices.
• The pass may be issued to U.S. Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S., regardless
of age, that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability that severely
limits one or more major life activities.
• Due to the eligibility requirements stated above, the Access Pass can only be obtained in
person at Federal recreation sites.
PROOF OF RESIDENCY AND DISABILITY
• To verify proof of residency the visitor may show a driver’s license, passport, birth
certificate, or permanent resident card (green card).
• To confirm residency a few questions may need to be asked. To help determine if a
person is a permanent resident use the definition below for Domicile.
Domicile – the permanent residence of a person or the place to which s/he intends to
return even though s/he may reside elsewhere.
• The country in which a person is eligible to draw Federal health and retirement
benefits is usually the country in which s/he is domiciled.
• A person may have more than one residence, but only one domicile.
•

A permanent disability is a permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment that
substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as caring for oneself, performing
manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. See
7 C.F.R. §15e.103; see also 29 U.S.C. § 705(20).

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Required Documentation: To be eligible for the Access Pass, an applicant must present
documentation of permanent disability. If the applicant cannot produce documentation as
listed below, he or she must read, sign, and date the Statement of Disability Form in the
presence of the staff member issuing the pass. If the applicant cannot read, someone
else accompanying the individual may read, date, and sign the Statement of Disability
Form on their behalf in the presence of the applicant and the staff member issuing the
pass. Copies of documentation presented must not be kept since it contains medical and
other sensitive and personal information. Return all documentation to the applicant.

•

The applicant must submit one of the following documents (a, b or c) or the applicant can
complete the Statement of Disability Form as described in (d).
a. A statement signed by a licensed physician attesting that the applicant has a
permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or
more major life activities, and stating the nature of the impairment;
OR

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b. A document issued by a Federal agency, such as the Veteran’s Administration, which
attests that the applicant has been medically determined to be eligible to receive
Federal benefits as a result of blindness or permanent disability. Other acceptable
Federal agency documents include proof of receipt of Social Security Disability
Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI);
OR
c. A document issued by a State agency such as the vocational rehabilitation agency,
which attests that the applicant has been medically determined to be eligible to
receive vocational rehabilitation agency benefits or services as a result of medically
determined blindness or permanent disability. Showing a State motor vehicle
department disability sticker, license plate or hang tag is not acceptable
documentation;
OR

d. If a person claims eligibility for the Access Pass, but cannot produce any
of the documentation outlined in a through c, that person must read, sign and date
the Statement of Disability Form in the presence of the officer issuing the
pass. If the applicant cannot read and/or sign someone else may read, date, and
sign the statement on his/her behalf in the applicant’s presence and the presence of
the officer issuing the pass.
•

The staff member issuing the Access Pass must not evaluate whether an applicant is
permanently disabled. The issuing officer may only assess whether adequate
documentation or signature for the pass has been submitted by the applicant.

BENEFITS
• Covers entrance to Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Park Service (NPS)
sites that charge an Entrance Fee.
• Covers use of Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Reclamation
(Reclamation), and Forest Service (USDA FS) sites that charge a Standard Amenity Fee.
• The pass may provide a discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees such as camping,
and guided tours.
VALIDATION
• The pass will have one signature line. The pass is not valid until it is signed, so the visitor
must sign the pass with first and last name when the pass is issued. If the visitor is
unable to sign the pass themselves a parent or guardian may sign it for them.
PASS USE
• The pass belongs to the signer only and s/he must be present for the pass to be used.
• The pass admits the pass holder and any accompanying passengers in a private noncommercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas, and pass holder and up to 3 persons (16
and older) at per person fee areas. Persons 15 and younger are admitted free of charge.
• At unstaffed sites, the pass holder must display the pass in the window of their vehicle.
• Hangtags will be provided to the pass holder to visibly display the pass on a rear view
mirror or by other means.
• Motorcycles: At sites with per vehicle entrance fees the Access Pass will cover entrance
for the pass holder on one motorcycle only.
• At staffed Federal recreation sites when an Access Pass is presented for entrance or use
the pass should be checked for validity.

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•

Since passes are nontransferable the verification of ownership is a legitimate component
of the program. Photo identification should be requested to verify pass ownership.
If the pass holder is deceased their pass may not be transferred to someone else e.g.
spouse, children, parents.

50% DISCOUNT GUIDELINES
• Individual Campsites: The discount only applies to the fee for the campsite physically
occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional campsite(s) occupied by members of
the pass holder’s party.
• Sites with Utility Hookups: If utility fees are charged for separately there is no discount.
The discount only applies if the utility fee is combined (seamless) with the campsite fee.
• Group Campsites and Facilities (including, but not limited to, group facilities, picnic areas
or pavilions): There is no discount for group campsites and other group facilities that
charge a flat fee. If the group campsite has a per person fee rate, only the pass holder
receives a discount; others using the site pay the applicable fee.
• Guided Tours: Only the pass holder receives a discount for guided tours.
• Transportation Systems: There is no discount when an optional transportation service is
offered; however, the pass should be honored:
- If the transportation system is mandatory, to access the primary resource of the
recreation site, OR
- if the transportation fee is collected in combination with the Entrance or Standard
Amenity Fee.
• Concessionaire Fees, Special Recreation, and Special Park Use Permit Fees: Discounts
do not apply to concessionaire/contractor fees unless it is required as part of their
concession/contractor authorization. Discounts do not apply to special recreation or
special park use permits.
• Although the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Tennessee Valley Authority
(TVA) were not included in REA, they will accept Access Passes consistent with current
policy. However, they will not issue the passes.

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VOLUNTEER PASS

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WHAT IS THE VOLUNTEER PASS?
Congress authorized the Secretaries of the Departments of Agriculture and Interior to issue an
annual pass to volunteers in exchange for the performance of significant volunteer services.
COST
• Free annual pass for volunteers who accrue 500 volunteer hours.
AVAILABILITY
• The pass will be available through agency specific volunteer program coordinators.
• The pass will be issued free of charge to volunteers who accrue 500 volunteer hours.
• Volunteers may officially begin to accrue hours on or after January 1, 2007.
• The pass will be valid for one year from the month of issuance.
• There is no specific time frame in which the volunteer hours must be accrued. Once the
500 hour requirement is reached and a pass is issued the volunteer’s hours are reset to
zero and the count begins again. Only one pass may be issued per year.
• Passes are not transferable.
• Each site and/or office should have a designated person, such as a Volunteer
Coordinator track hours and issue the Volunteer Passes.
• Volunteer coordinators will be responsible for coordinating with appropriate agency points
of contact to order the volunteer passes.
BENEFITS
• Covers entrance to Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Park Service (NPS)
sites that charge an Entrance Fee.
• Covers use of Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Reclamation
(Reclamation), and Forest Service (USDA FS) sites that charge a Standard Amenity Fee.
VALIDATION
• The pass must be punched with an expiration date at the time it is issued. The pass
should be punched for the month in which it is issued.
• The pass will have one signature line. The pass is not valid until it is signed, so the
volunteer must sign the pass with first and last name when the pass is issued.
PASS USE
• The pass belongs to the signer only and s/he must be present for the pass to be used.
• The pass admits the pass holder and any accompanying passengers in a single, private
non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas, and pass holder and 3 persons (16 and
older) at per person fee areas. Persons 15 and younger are admitted free of charge.
• At unstaffed sites, the pass holder must display the pass in the window of their vehicle.
• Hangtags- with expiration date noted- will be provided to the pass holder to visibly display
the pass on a rear view mirror or by other means.
• Motorcycles: At sites with per vehicle entrance fees the Volunteer Pass will cover
entrance for the pass holder on one motorcycle only.
• The pass is not valid for Expanded Amenity Fees such as camping, tours, boat launches,
or concession charges.
• At staffed Federal Recreation sites when a Volunteer Pass is presented for entrance or
use the pass should be checked for valid date and signature.
• Since passes are nontransferable the verification of pass ownership is a legitimate
component of the program. Photo identification should be requested to verify pass
ownership.

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SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
Along with the introduction of new Passes the “America the Beautiful – the National Parks and
Federal Recreational Lands Pass” program will also introduce some new supplemental materials.

HANGTAG

20

WHAT IS A HANGTAG?
Many agency sites are not regularly staffed by fee collection or enforcement personnel. At these
locations, pass holders must display their pass in the window of their vehicle so the expiration
date is clearly visible for compliance checks. The hangtag makes it easier for enforcement
personnel in unstaffed areas to view the pass and the expiration date.
• Hangtags will be printed two sided – one side with an expiration date for the Annual and
Volunteer Pass and the other for the Senior and Access Passes.
• At unstaffed sites, the pass holder/s must display the pass in the window of their vehicle.
• Hangtags will be provided to pass holders to visibly display their passes utilizing a rear
view mirror or other means.
• Hangtags alone are not passes and are not valid for entry or use.

21

•

Hangtags are not considered accountable property.

COST
• Hangtags will be issued to visitors and can be replaced free of charge. Hangtags will
only be issued to individuals who are purchasing or being issued a pass, or have a valid
pass.
AVAILABILITY
• Most Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee, and that
are staffed by fee collection personnel, and most Federal agency offices, will have the
hangtags available to issue.
• Some sites may only need to stock a limited supply of hangtags if they do not anticipate
giving a hangtag to each and every visitor who purchases a pass. Additional hangtags
may be ordered through the year as needed.
• When passes are sold or issued, if time permits, the visitor should be asked if they think
they plan to visit unstaffed Federal recreation sites such as US Forest Service or BLM
sites. If so, they should be issued a hangtag.
VALIDATION
• Hangtags issued for the Annual and Volunteer Pass must be marked with the same
expiration date as the pass. The expiration date on the hangtag will be more visible to
enforcement personnel than the one on the pass.
• Hangtags issued for the Senior and Access Passes do not require validation, as they are
lifetime passes.
HANGTAG USE
• When a hangtag is issued, the visitor must be told that the hangtag is only a means of
displaying the pass at unstaffed sites.
• The hangtag itself is not valid for Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees. It is ONLY a
means of displaying the actual pass.

22

DECAL

WHAT IS A DECAL?
Many agency sites are not regularly staffed by fee collection or enforcement personnel. At
unstaffed sites, pass holders are required display proof of payment by leaving their pass in their
vehicle windshield. For persons driving open topped vehicles (e.g. jeeps, motorcycles, etc), this
is not possible as the pass could easily be stolen. Therefore a decal will be available for issue to
individuals owning open topped vehicles. The decal will allow visitors to display proof of payment
without leaving their Annual Pass unsecured in their vehicle. At this time, only Annual Pass
decals are available (may also be used with Volunteer Pass).
COST
• Decals will be issued free of charge. Decals may only be issued to individuals who are
purchasing an Annual Pass or who have a valid Annual Pass; or individuals who are
being issued a Volunteer Pass or have a valid Volunteer Pass.
• The decal will expire at the same time as the pass.
AVAILABILITY
• Most Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee, and that
are staffed by fee collection personnel, and most Federal agency offices, will have the
decals available to issue.
• Sites will need to stock a limited supply of decals; they do not need to have an equal
number of decals and passes. Additional decals may be ordered through the year as
needed.
• When an Annual Pass is sold or a Volunteer Pass issued visitors/volunteers driving open
topped vehicles should be asked if they anticipate visiting unstaffed Federal recreation
sites such as US Forest Service or BLM sites. If so, they should be issued one.
VALIDATION
• Up to two decals may be issued per annual pass. (This is to allow two individuals who
have both signed the same annual pass to each purchase a decal for their individual
motorcycles).

23

•
•
•
•
•

Vehicle registration is required and must match the names of the pass holders who have
signed the pass. The issuing officer must write the pass holder’s license plate number/s
on the face of the decal/s in the space provided under Vehicle Tag Number.
The decal/s must be punched with the same expiration date as the pass, regardless of
when the decal is issued.
The Annual Pass shall be punched to indicate the number of decals issued (maximum of
two). There are two stars to the left of the signature line. Punch one star for each decal
issued.
The Volunteer Pass shall be punched to indicate the number of decals issued (maximum
of one). There is one star to the left of the signature line. Punch the star for when a
decal is issued.
For automobiles decals must be placed on the lower right hand side of the windshield,
and for motorcycles on the front in a clearly visible place.

DECAL USE
• IMPORTANT!!! When a decal is issued the visitor must be told that the decal is only
valid at unstaffed sites for open topped vehicles- at staffed Federal recreation sites the
decal alone will not be sufficient for entrance or use; a valid Annual Pass or
Volunteer Pass must be shown.
• At unstaffed Federal recreation sites, each motorcycle must display a valid decal.
• Decals are designed to self destruct if tampered with, so they are essentially nontransferable.

BROCHURES
A brochure has been developed that will provide the visitor with basic information on the new
pass program, the Federal agencies, stewardship and volunteer opportunities. It will also have
contact information (phone numbers and websites) to agency sites. A brochure should be offered
to all visitors that purchase the Annual Pass or are issued the Volunteer Pass.
A second brochure is being developed that will replace the current Federal Recreation Pass
Programs brochure (all pass options), but it will not be available by January 1, 2007.

HOLE PUNCHES
The new Annual Pass and Volunteer Pass are made of plastic card stock. The passes must be
punched with an expiration date at the time of purchase/issuance. This process will require a
special hole punch. Field locations will be responsible for ordering and maintaining a supply of
hole punches, however, the hole punches currently being used by National Park Service sites will
be sufficient. USGS will have a limited number of hole punches available, free of charge, on a
first-come-first-serve basis. Visit http://holepunch.com/ for information on hole punches.

24

WHERE ARE THE PASSES ACCEPTED?
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (BLM)
Oversees the Nation’s largest Federal land mass – more than 262 million unbounded acres – with
abundant outdoor recreational activities. These lands include congressionally designated wild and
scenic rivers, wilderness areas, and high deserts.
For information on BLM sites visit http://www.blm.gov

BUREAU OF RECLAMATION (Reclamation)
Manages and develops water and related resources. There are more than 300 recreation areas
on these water projects, many of which are operated by other Federal agencies; state, county,
and city governments.
For information on Reclamation sites visit http://www.usbr.gov

FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE (FWS)
Manages 100 million acres of land and water consisting of more than 546 national wildlife
refuges, 37 wetland management districts with waterfowl production areas, 46 administrative
sites, and 69 national fish hatcheries. Many refuges are open to hunting and fishing.
For information on FWS sites visit http://www.fws.gov

FOREST SERVICE (USDA FS)
Offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities and special areas on 193 million acres of
national forests and grasslands. Approximately 18% of national forestland is congressionally
designated wilderness, providing opportunities for primitive recreation experiences and
spectacular scenery.
For information on USDA FS sites visit http://www.fs.fed.us

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS)
Protects the Nation’s natural, historical, and cultural resources, while providing opportunities for
recreation. NPS manages more than 390 national parks, battlefields, seashores, monuments,
and historic sites nationwide.
For information on NPS sites visit http://www.nps.gov
Additional information:
Federal Recreational Lands - http://www.recreation.gov
Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act http://www.doi.gov/initiatives/recreation_feeprogram.html

25

ORDERING STOCK FOR FEDERAL RECREATION SITES
A contractor for the new pass program will not be in place in time for the January 1, 2007 launch.
The printing of the new passes and supplemental materials will be done through GPO. The
United States Geological Survey (USGS) will store all passes and supplemental materials in their
warehouse and process orders as they come in. You may begin ordering passes and
supplemental materials on November 15, 2006, though they will not be shipped until December.

ORDERING PRODUCTS
For the first year of the program all passes, hangtags, decals, and brochures can be ordered from
USGS by email at fedrecpass@usgs.gov, by fax at 303-202-4693, or by phone at 1-888-ASKUSGS (1-888-275-8747); press option number 1. For email and faxed orders the standard
ordering form must be used. To place orders you must be a designated point-of-contact (or
alternate) at your site and have a user-id and password. Points of contact should receive their
user-id and password information via email after November 8, 2006. Contact Carolyn Hill at
chill@nationalparks.org if you do not receive a user-id and password by November 10, 2006.
All agency points of contact will be required to provide a FedEx or UPS account number with
each order. Agencies/sites will be responsible for paying shipping charges associated with
orders. Passes will be shipped to sites shrink-wrapped in units of 50, smaller quantities may not
be shrink wrapped. The minimum order amount is 5, however larger orders are preferred.
In order to maintain control of inventory and minimize the potential for over-production, limited
quantities of the annual pass will be produced for the first 6 months of CY2007. Points of contact
must carefully order and monitor the number of passes they need to have on hand at each field
location. Please keep in mind that the new annual pass will be redesigned and produced each
year therefore; there will not be “leftover” stock to use as we had with the Golden Eagle Passport.
The cost of production, fulfillment, shipping and destruction of the Annual Pass will be significant.
For these reasons, it is imperative that all field locations carefully evaluate the number of passes
needed.
The numbers of passes and supplemental materials that were supplied in response to the point of
contact memo that was sent out previously were used only to estimate the number of passes that
needed to be printed. Passes and supplemental materials will need to be ordered by using one
of the methods listed above. Orders do not need to be placed for a whole year supply. Orders
may be placed throughout the year, and supplies replenished as needed.
It is anticipated that a contractor will be in place in the future and that they will then be
responsible for the passes and supplemental materials in subsequent years. Once a contractor is
in place new information will be sent out on the ordering procedures.

DAMAGED OR MISSING STOCK
All orders will be shipped by a traceable method. Orders that arrive damaged or with missing
passes should be brought to the immediate attention of USGS.

26

SETTING UP FOR SALES
SIGNS AND OTHER MATERIALS
All signs and other materials (newspapers, self-pay envelopes, etc) will need to be updated to
reflect the names and prices of the new passes. The following names should be used for
consistency across agencies and sites.
•
•
•

Interagency Access Pass - Free
Interagency Senior Pass - $10
Interagency Annual Pass - $TBD

PASS USE STATISTICS
According to REA, each agency will establish a pass use data collection procedure by January
2007. The procedures may vary across agencies or site characteristics. However, the agencies
will work to establish consistency in data collection methods and data elements collected.
•

Statistics should be gathered by those sites that have the ability to gather and transmit
pass sale and usage statistics. The following products for sales and re-entry pass usage
should be captured.
-

Sales of:
ƒ
ƒ

-

-

Interagency Annual Pass, and Media (Cash or Credit Card Optional)
Interagency Senior Pass, and Media (Cash or Credit Card Optional)
Interagency Access Pass

ƒ
Re-Entry Using:
ƒ Interagency Annual Pass
ƒ National Parks Pass
ƒ Golden Eagle Passport
ƒ Interagency Senior Pass (including Golden Age Passport)
ƒ Interagency Access Pass (including Golden Access
Passport)
For each of the above additional information should be captured:
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ

Product type (Annual Pass, Senior Pass, Golden Eagle, etc)
Location of sale or usage
Date & Time of sale or usage
Serial number of the pass
Number of people who are 16 and older getting in on pass.

SEE INDIVIDUAL AGENCIES APPENDICES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON
SET UP PROCEDURES, PROCEDURES FOR COLLECTING PASS USE STATISTICS
AND OTHER INFORMATION.

27

PASS SALES
•
•
•

Passes will be available for purchase at Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance
or Standard Amenity Fee, and that are staffed by fee collection personnel. Passes will
also be available at many Federal agency offices.
Agencies may enter into fee management agreements, including a contract with a
government or nongovernmental entity, including those in a gateway community for pass
sales services.
The government may establish sales and marketing relationships with third party entities
that wish to participate in the program and will encourage vendors to sell the annual pass
as a convenience to their customers. See information on third party marketing guidelines
on page 33 and in the appendices.

PASS OPTIONS – WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THE VISITOR
To provide quality customer service and to help alleviate future problems, agency staff should
determine the visitor’s needs by asking a few basic questions e.g. are you planning to visit any
other Federal recreation sites? This will assist in providing the visitor with recommendations for a
specific pass that would best fit their needs e.g. a one time visit to one location will only require
the purchase of a daily entrance receipt; a cross country trip with many stops planned at Federal
Recreation sites may best be served by the Annual Pass.
It is important that visitors know they have options whether it be paying a day use fee, purchasing
a site specific annual pass, or the interagency annual pass.
When an Entrance, Standard Amenity Fee, or Pass is sold the visitor must receive a proof of
payment whether it is a hand written receipt, an envelope stub, or a cash register receipt.
Pass sales must be tracked by the pass serial numbers.

UPGRADES
Interagency upgrades of Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees, Site Specific Passes, and Regional
Passes will not be permitted, except in limited circumstances. However, individual agencies are
delegated the authority to determine appropriate circumstances for refunds and upgrades within
their own agency.
If an agency chooses to do upgrades, ALL fee and office sites within the agency will be
required to follow the policy. For the first year of the program, on a trial basis, the National
Park Service will honor upgrades of all NPS site Entrance Fee receipts ONLY.
An upgrade will occur at a National Park site if a visitor pays an Entrance Fee and later decides
they should have purchased an Interagency Annual Pass. The entrance receipt may be turned in
at the site where it was purchased or any other NPS site, and the cost will be deducted from the
cost of the Annual Pass.
• Example: A visitor purchases a $25 entrance receipt at Grand Canyon National Park, and
later visits Petrified Forest National Park. They may apply the $25 Grand Canyon
National Park entrance receipt toward the purchase of an Annual Pass within the allowed
time frame. Petrified Forest National Park would collect the additional $TBD to complete
the sale.
• Receipts up to the value of the Annual Pass may be accepted for exchange. No cash
refund of receipts presented in excess of the Annual Pass value is allowed.
• Upgrades of Entrance Fee receipts must take place within a reasonable time frame,
which is usually 14 days or for the duration of the visitor’s travel itinerary.

28

•

All upgrades must be tracked and reported to NPS Regional Fee Managers on a
quarterly basis. The report should include total number of annual passes sold, total
number of upgrades, and total dollar amount of upgrade receipts.

VOIDS/REFUNDS/RETURNS
Voids generally occur if a pass has been punched or sold and signed incorrectly. The pass will
need to be voided and another correct item resold. Voided passes must be kept by agencies for
a specified period of time for accountability purposes (see agency specific guidelines).
As a general rule, refunds/returns are not allowed and will be initiated only in limited situations. If
a visitor unknowingly purchases an Annual Pass when they were eligible for a Senior or Access
Pass the Annual Pass may be returned and a refund for the difference may be given.
Returned/Refunded Passes must be kept by agencies for a specified period of time for
accountability purposes (see agency specific guidelines).
If a visitor purchases an Annual Pass and returns a few minutes later asking to return the pass
and purchase the daily pass instead, the Annual Pass may be returned and a refund for the
difference given. Returned/Refunded Passes must be kept by agencies for a specified period of
time for accountability purposes (see agency specific guidelines).

EXCHANGING OLD PASSES FOR NEW PASSES AND RECEIPTS FROM
AUTOMATED FEE MACHINES
Golden Eagle Passports, National Parks Passes, National Parks Passes with the Golden Eagle
Sticker, and plastic versions of the Golden Age and Golden Access Passports should NOT be
exchanged for, or upgraded to, any of the new passes.
• If a visitor shows up at a National Park site with an unpunched National Parks Pass, the
pass cannot be exchanged as it is only valid for the term of the pass (visitor may get less
than 1 year of use). If the pass is from 2006 it should be punched for December, so it will
then be valid through December 2007. If the pass is from a previous year it is void and
can no longer be used.
• A Golden Eagle Passport or National Parks Pass that is valid through 2007 cannot be
exchanged or upgraded to the new Interagency Annual Pass.
If a visitor purchases a Golden Eagle Passport or National Parks Pass through an Automated
Fee Machine prior to December 31st and brings a receipt in to exchange for the product after
January 1st they will only get the product they purchased. Each Federal recreation site will need
to keep a limited supply of the old passes on hand for these exchanges.

DAMAGED PASSES
Damaged passes may be replaced if the visitor provides identification to validate ownership and
presents the pass with at least a portion of the pass identifiable. The damaged pass must be
kept by agencies for a specified period of time for accountability purposes (see agency specific
guidelines). Each Federal recreation site will need to keep a limited supply of the old passes on
hand for these replacements.

LOST OR STOLEN PASSES
Passes cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. A new pass must be purchased. Although the
goal is to acquire the technology to be able to track, cancel, and or replace passes, we are
unable to do so at this time.

29

FRAUDULENT PASS USE
Since all passes are nontransferable the verification of pass ownership is a legitimate component
of the program. Photo identification should be requested to verify pass ownership. When passes
are sold visitors should be informed that they may be required to show identification when they
use their pass.
•
•
•

•

When a visitor presents a pass for entrance, a valid form of photo identification should be
requested, such as a passport or driver’s license, with the visitor’s signature.
Visually verify that the name on the identification matches the name on the pass.
Compare the signatures on the pass and the photo identification. The signature on the pass
should match the signature on the identification. If the visitor is unable to produce valid
signature identification, the visitor may be asked to sign a piece of paper, so their signature
may be verified. All signature verification papers are destroyed at the end of each shift and
any personal information obtained through the identification process is not maintained as part
of permanent records.
Identification should be checked consistently. Checks should be conducted only to verify
pass ownership and must not be based on visitor ethnicity, race, or appearance.

Agencies may want to consider developing a pass misuse policy. Currently the National Park
Service has a pass misuse policy that consists of marking passes that have been misused with a
red check mark; passes that are misused twice and have two red check marks are considered
void. A useful part of a pass miss use policy is an information sheet informing the visitor of the
proper way to use passes. A policy on the confiscation of misused passes is up to agencies, or
individual site locations to decide. If misused passes are confiscated the process must be done
in a professional non-confrontational manner.

Examples of fraud include:
•
•
•
•

Local businesses keeping a supply of weekly passes on hand that they recycle and pass
out to visitor after visitor.
Visitors exiting a fee area who hand off their receipts to visitors waiting to enter the fee
area.
Local residents who rent out their homes and leave their annual passes for the occupants
to use (this can be remedied by checking identification with pass use).
Rental companies that supply an annual pass with a rental vehicle and recycle it to be
used again the next time the vehicle is rented.

30

ACCOUNTABILITY
Maintaining strict control of accountable inventory is of utmost importance to the new program. All
passes and decals have serial numbers printed on them for this purpose. All unsold Annual
Passes and decals must be returned and accounted for by the site that ordered them at the end
of each calendar year. Along with this, all sites will be required to reconcile passes sold or
distributed and revenue collected for all types of passes each year. Each agency will have
established points of contact that will be responsible for ordering, distributing, returning and
reconciling all pass sales each year. It is much easier to have accountability procedures in place
up front, so last minute scrambles will not be needed at the end of the year.
Note: The Interagency Annual Pass may be issued as an employee award, but must be
purchased at full price by the government entity issuing the pass as an award.

RECORD OF ACCOUNTABLE STOCK
When passes are received the agency point of contact must verify shipments with packing slips.
This process includes verifying that all serial numbers are correct and accounted for, and
that packing slips are accurate.
A Record of Accountable Stock Form is an invaluable tool for tracking the movement of passes.
When an order is received and verified it is logged in, and subsequently passes are logged out as
they are issued to other locations. Every location should have a Record of Accountable Stock
Form to track passes coming and going. Additionally, when passes are moved from one location
to another they must be accompanied by a Receipt for Property Form.

TRACKING UPGRADES, REFUNDS, AND VOIDS
In order to reconcile pass sales at the end of each year, it is vital that upgrades, refunds, and
voids be tracked. Each agency contact will receive a report at the end of each year that will show
the number of passes sent and the amount of revenue deposited. If the number of passes sent
does not match the revenue the difference must be accounted for. For example, 10 Senior
Passes sent; $100 should have been deposited; only $90 was deposited; $10 needs to be
accounted for; a report of 1 voided Pass explains the difference. 100 Annual Passes sent; $TBD
should have been deposited; only $TBD was deposited; $TBD difference needs to be accounted
for; a report of 1 voided pass and 1 $TBD upgrade receipt explains the difference.
Each Federal agency site will be responsible for developing a tracking system that works for
them. It may consist of a computer program or a handwritten log. Various methods are
acceptable as long as the information is readily available when needed. All upgrade receipts,
void and refund receipts must be kept on file for a specified period of time for accountability
purposes (see agency specific guidelines).

REMITTANCE PAPERWORK
A remittance consists of gathering revenues from one or more locations, reconciling revenue with
paperwork, completing deposit paperwork, and transferring the funds to the U.S. Treasury. When
fees of any kind are collected at an entrance station, visitor center, office, from a pipe safe, or
other location a shift report, or similar document should be completed. Passes must be
accounted for on a daily report by serial number.
The remitter must carefully check the pass numbers verifying that all passes are accounted for
whether they were sold, voided, refunded, etc. Any upgrades or passes that were voided or
refunded can be logged during the remit process.

31

The deposit information must accurately reflect the monies being deposited by agency specific
accounting processes. This will ensure that pass money gets to the proper accounts making the
reconciliation process at the end of the year accurate and easier.

32

THIRD PARTY SALES AGREEMENTS (SEE APPENDICES FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION)
According to REA, the government may establish sales and marketing relationships with third
party entities that wish to participate in the program and will encourage vendors to sell the Annual
Pass as a convenience to their customers. Management of large or national third party
agreements will be the responsibility of the National Pass Program Office. Management of local
third party agreements will be the responsibility of the Federal recreation site.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

All passes must be sold at face value (no discounting).
Passes will be purchased up front, except as listed in last bullet below.
There will be no refunds or exchange of unsold stock.
Vendors will be encouraged to purchase the pass at full face value, however a
discount or wholesale rate of -10% may be allowed.
3rd parties will be responsible for validating all passes at the time of purchase.
3rd parties will not be allowed to sell passes that do not have a full year of validated
use.
Only small cooperating association/affiliated groups will be allowed to sell passes on
a consignment basis on behalf of a recreation site. No wholesale rate will be allowed
for consigned stock. The recreation site will be responsible for all reconciliation and
accountability of stock.

There are many reasons that sites might choose to enter into a third party agreement with an
entity for pass sales. Agreements can enhance customer service, increase cost efficiency,
improve employee safety, or aid in building relationships with partners and stakeholders.
Instruments available for obtaining pass sales services include contracts, supplemental
cooperating association agreements, interagency agreements, cooperative agreements, and the
memoranda of understanding and agreement (MOU and MOA).

33

DESTRUCTION OF STOCK
ANNUAL PASS END OF YEAR DESTRUCTION
The new Interagency Annual Pass will be replaced each year; therefore it will not be used for
multiple years as the Golden Eagle Passport was in the past. The cost of production, fulfillment,
shipping and destruction of the Annual Pass will be significant. For these reasons, it is imperative
that all field locations carefully evaluate the number of passes needed.
All sites will be responsible for documenting and destroying all Interagency Annual Pass stock
that they have on hand at the end of each year following agency guidelines.
Interagency Annual Passes are controlled items and cannot be thrown in the trash or sold after
December 31st of each year. Left over passes must be destroyed by either cutting or shredding
and disposed of properly. Agency specific Accountable Property Destruction Standard Operating
Procedures must be followed.

34

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NEW FEDERAL RECREATIONAL LANDS
PASS PROGRAM
1. What is the America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational
Lands Pass Program? The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004
(REA) created the America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational
Lands Passes, which will replace the National Parks Pass, the Golden Age, Golden
Access, and Golden Eagle Passports on January 1, 2007. Until the new passes are
introduced, all existing passes will continue to be sold and honored. Once the new
passes are introduced the existing passes will no longer be sold, but will continue to be
honored until they expire.
2. Which Agencies will honor the new America the Beautiful - the National Parks
and Federal Recreational Lands Passes? The new passes will be honored by the
National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land
Management, and Bureau of Reclamation. The Corps of Engineers and Tennessee
Valley Authority were not included in the REA legislation, but these agencies will honor
the new Senior and Access lifetime passes as they currently honored the Golden Age
and Access Passports.
3. When will the America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal
Recreational Lands Passes be introduced? The new passes will be introduced
January 1, 2007.
4. Why are the new passes being developed? Aren’t these new passes just the
same as the Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports? The new
passes were mandated by Congress. They will be similar to the old passes, but we
hope to build on the lessons learned in all of our previous Federal recreation pass
programs. We expect that the new passes will incorporate technological characteristics
that will make the passess convenient to use and purchase.
5. Who coordinated the development of the new passes? The Interagency Fee
Council, co-chaired by the DOI Deputy Secretary and the USDA Under Secretary for
Natural Resources and Environment, established an Interagency Pass Work Group to
implement the provisions of the law and to develop the new passes. The Interagency
Work Group consists of representatives from each of the Federal agencies covered by
the legislation.
6. Did the Interagency Pass Work Group consult with other stakeholder groups?
Yes. The Pass Work Group received feedback on development of the new passes from
numerous external stakeholder groups. Several “Listening Sessions” have been held.
Examples of stakeholder groups who participated in these sessions include the
American Recreation Coalition, National Park Foundation, Paralyzed Veterans of
America, Western States Tourism Policy Council, gateway communities, National Parks
and Hospitality Association, Travel Industry Association, American Hiking Association,
National Recreation and Park Association, etc. The interagency pass work group
continues to seek input and feedback in a number of forums that are announced through
the Departments of Interior and Agriculture.

35

7. Did the Interagency Pass Work Group receive input from the field on
development of the new passes? Yes. The passes were developed with on-going
consultation with employees at Federal recreation sites. The work group continues to
build on experience from previous programs such as the NPP, Golden Eagle Passport,
the Federal Duck Stamp, regional passes, and site-specific annual passes. In March
2005, an America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands
Pass Program Workshop was held at the National Conservation Training Center in
Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Forty field representatives from the different Federal
agencies met to make recommendations on pass design, pricing, marketing, policies,
and procedures. Field representatives are able to have on-going input to the ideas and
processes associated with the new pass program.
8. How was the price of the Annual Pass determined? In FY 2005, the Interagency
Pass Work Group began working with researchers from the University of Wyoming
Survey and Analysis Center to analyze the implications of various prices. The price
analysis was based on pass-use data, comparison of state park entrance and Parks
Canada; pass prices, surveys of Federal recreation-pass purchasers and recreation-site
users and non-users, and other information.
9. What will the new passes cover? The passes will be good for access to or use of
participating agencies’ sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee. At sites
where a vehicle fee is charged the passes will admit the pass holder and any
accompanying passengers in a single private non-commercial vehicle. At sites where
per person fee is charged the passes will admit the pass holder and three persons (16
and older). The Senior and Access Passes will provide the pass holder a 50 percent
discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees.
10. Will there be any changes in the way that the new passes are honored? Yes.
The Departments have determined that pass holders will be allowed to access a
recreation site that charges a per person fee with a specified number of persons, rather
than specified family members (spouse, parents, children). Additionally, according to the
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) motorcycles are vehicles. At sites with per vehicle
entrance fees the Annual Pass will cover access or use for the pass holder/s (individuals
who signed the pass) on two motorcycles. The Lifetime Passes will cover access or use
for the pass holder for one motorcycle.
11. Will the old passes continue to be honored as stated e.g. for family while the
new passes will cover a specified number of persons? Yes, but in the event that a
difficult situation arises, good judgment and customer service should dictate the best
way to handle the situation. (Example: Allowing a family of more than 4 adults to enter a
site on a new Senior Pass may be warranted with a verbal understanding that the policy
has changed and may be enforced the next time).
12. What materials will be provided with the new passes? There will be a brochure
issued with the Annual Pass. A hangtag and decal may also be provided from field sites
as appropriate.
13. How will the new passes be sold? The new passes will be sold at most Federal
recreation sites that honor the passes. The Annual Pass will be available to the public
through the Internet. It is expected that the passes will also be widely available through
third-party partner agreements negotiated by the National Pass Program Office.

36

14. How will the new pass program be funded? It is anticipated that the revenues
collected centrally (i.e., Internet, third-party sales) from the sale of the Annual Pass will
be used to cover the production, fulfillment, and other administrative costs of the pass
program.
15. How will the new pass program revenue be distributed? The Departments have
determined that all pass revenue collected at Federal recreation sites for the first 3 – 5
years will remain within the agency that sold it. Proceeds from the sales of the pass that
occur through central sales outlets (i.e., Internet or third-party sales) after administrative
and start up costs are paid, will be shared among the five agencies.
16. How do I order the new passes and supplemental materials? Order passes,
hangtags, decals, and brochures from the USGS by email at fedrecpass@usgs.gov, by
fax at 303-202-4693, or by phone at 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747); press option
number 1. For email and faxed orders the standard ordering form must be used.
To order passes you must be a designated point-of-contact (or alternate) at your site.
17. Can lost or stolen passes be replaced? Is there a way that the serial numbers
can be tracked? No. Annual and Lifetime Passes cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
The visitor must purchase a new pass. Although the goal of the new pass program is to
acquire the technology at each site to be able to track, cancel, and replace passes, we
are unable to do so at this time.
18. What should I do if a visitor forgets to bring a pass to the site? If the visitor
mails in a copy of the entrance or standard amenity fee receipt and a photocopy of
their pass, can a refund be issued? No, the fee must be paid for entrance or use.
Visitors are responsible for bringing their pass with them. Order confirmation letters,
credit card receipts, credit card statements, or hangtags without passes are not valid.
Site-specific guidelines should address the limited situations in which refunds may be
allowed. If you have further questions, check with your supervisor or agency fee
program coordinator.
19. Will upgrades be provided? The Departments of Agriculture and Interior have
decided that individual agencies will determine whether Entrance or Standard Amenity
Fees (i.e., paper cash register receipts) or Site Specific Annual Passes will be accepted
toward the purchase of a new Annual Pass. At this time the only agency we know will
be doing upgrades, is the National Park Service and they will be upgrading Entrance
receipts only.
20. What will happen to all the existing passes i.e. National Parks Pass, Golden
Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports? Once the new passes are
introduced the existing passes will no longer be sold or issued, but they will continue to
be honored for as long as they are valid. Old passes will be documented and destroyed
according to agency guidelines, but a small supply should be kept on hand for replacing
damaged passes and exchanging automated fee machine receipts.
21. If a visitor shows up at a National Park site with a National Parks Pass that is
valid through October of 2007 and they want to upgrade it to the new Annual Pass,
should I do it? No. Passes from previous pass programs cannot be exchanged or
upgraded for the new passes.

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22. If a visitor purchases a Golden Eagle Passport through an Automated Fee
Machine on December 30, 2006 and brings the receipt in to exchange on January
3, 2007, should I give them one of the new Annual Passes? No. A small supply of
old passes should be kept on hand by each Federal recreation site so like product can
be exchanged for like product. They should get what they paid for, and the pass should
be punched with a December 2007 expiration date.

INTERAGENCY ANNUAL PASS
1. What is the Annual Pass? The new Annual Pass is replacing the Golden Eagle
Passport and National Parks Pass. It provides access to or use of any Federal
recreation site that charges an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee. The pass costs $TBD
and is valid for one full year from month of purchase.
2. Which agencies honor the Annual Pass? The Forest Service within the Department
of Agriculture, and the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land
Management, and Bureau of Reclamation within the Department of Interior, at sites
where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees are charged.
3. What does the Annual Pass cover? The Annual Pass admits the pass holder/s and
any accompanying passengers in a single private vehicle at sites with a vehicle entrance
fee. Where a per-person entrance fee is charged, the Annual Pass admits the pass
holder/s and up to three persons, not to exceed 4 persons, 16 and older (15 and under
are free). The Annual Pass is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce Expanded
Amenity Fees such as charges for camping, parking, tours, and concessions. The pass
is not valid for commercial groups.
Pass Signatures and Validation
4. How are Annual Passes validated? Employees/vendors must punch the expiration
date when the pass is sold. The expiration date is 12 months from the month of
purchase. The pass must be signed at the point of purchase, unless it is being
purchased as a gift. Both the expiration date and signature are required for the pass to
be valid.
5. If an Annual Pass is purchased as a gift does it need to be punched with an
expiration date at the time of sale? When should it be signed? Yes. All passes
must be punched with an expiration date at the time of sale. There are a large number
of unstaffed recreation sites particularly in the USDA FS. If passes are not validated at
the time of sale they may be used without being validated for extended period of time.
The pass must be signed prior to or at first use.
6. The second signature line on the Annual Pass indicates “Second Pass holder.”
Who can sign the pass? The second line can be signed by a spouse, roommate,
friend, traveling companion, adult child, sibling, etc. The relationship of the two signers
should never be questioned.
7. A visitor purchases a pass on March 31. She asks me to punch it to expire in
April instead of March since April is only one day away and she feels she will be

38

cheated out of a month of use. Should I punch the pass for April? No. Punching
the pass for April would give her an extra month of use. Her pass should be punched to
expire in March. Her pass will then be valid through the end of March of the following
year. No matter what day of the month the pass is purchased, it is always valid through
the last day of that month the following year.
8. If visitors show up a site with a confirmation letter stating they ordered an
Annual Pass through the Internet, should we accept it? No. Confirmation letters are
not valid for entry or use. The confirmation letter states that it is not valid for entry or
use. A credit card statement or receipt showing purchase of a pass is not valid for entry
either. The visitor may choose to purchase another pass and when the one they
ordered through the Internet arrives they can return it to USGS for a refund.
9. Is the Annual Pass going to be sold through third-party partners? Yes. Partners
and local vendors may sell the Annual Pass.
10. Will partners sell the Annual Pass at a discount? No. The Annual Pass must be
sold at face value.

Interagency Annual Pass Upgrades – Follow Agency Specific Guidelines
11. What is an upgrade? An upgrade occurs when a visitor purchases an Entrance or
Standard Amenity Fee receipt and later decides they should have purchased an
Interagency Annual Pass. The Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee receipt is turned in
and the cost is deducted from the cost of the Annual Pass. For example, if a visitor
purchases a $25 entrance fee at Grand Canyon National Park, and then visits Petrified
Forest National Park, they may apply the $25 Grand Canyon National Park entrance
receipt toward the purchase of an Annual Pass. Petrified Forest National Park would
collect an additional $TBD to complete the sale.
Note: The NPS is planning to continue its policy of upgrading daily entrance
receipts to the new Interagency Annual Pass, but it will no longer upgrade sitespecific annual passes.
Each agency should refer to its specific agency guidelines on how to handle
upgrades.
INTERAGENCY SENIOR PASS
1. What is the Senior Pass? The Senior Pass replaces the Golden Age Passport. It
provides access to and use of any Federal recreation site that charges an Entrance or
Standard Amenity Fee and provides a discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees. The
pass is for citizens or permanent residents of the United States, who are 62 years of age
or older. The pass must be obtained in person. The cost of the Senior Pass is $10, and
it is valid for the lifetime of the pass holder.
2. Which agencies honor the Senior Pass? The Forest Service within the Department
of Agriculture, and the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land
Management, and Bureau of Reclamation within the Department of Interior, at sites
where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees are charged. The Corps of Engineers and

39

Tennessee Valley Authority were not included in the REA legislation, but these agencies
will honor the new Senior Pass as they currently honored the Golden Age Passport.

3. What does the Senior Pass cover? The Senior Pass admits the pass holder and
any accompanying passengers in a single private vehicle at sites with a vehicle-entrance
fee. Where a per-person entrance fee is charged, the Senior Pass admits the pass
holder and three persons, 16 and older (15 and under are free).
The Senior Pass also provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees
charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching,
and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are
charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is
nontransferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees
or fees charged by concessionaires. Inquire locally for pass acceptance policies.
4. A 62-year-old visitor from Canada arrives and wants to purchase a Senior Pass.
Can I sell the pass? No. The Golden Age Passport is available only to U.S. citizens or
permanent residents, age 62 years and older.
5. The same visitor advised me that she has a winter home in Tucson where she
resides 6 months during the year. Does that make her eligible? Probably not.
Most requests for the Senior Pass will not be this ambiguous. However, if you should
run into this situation, remember that the Senior Pass is available only to permanently
domiciled residents of the U.S. Domicile is defined as “the permanent residence of a
person or the place to which he or she intends to return even though he or she may
reside elsewhere.” If you are still not sure if the applicant is eligible, you may wish to
politely ask her in which country she receives her health and retirement benefits. This
would be the country where she is domiciled. Check with your supervisor or agency fee
program coordinator for guidance.
6. If a visitor arrives with a Senior Pass for which they are not eligible, should I
confiscate it? Depending on agency policy advise them that they were issued the
Senior Pass in error, and ask them to turn it over to you. If they refuse to turn the pass
over to you, refer to your site’s pass misuse and fraud procedures.
7. If a visitor forgets their Senior Pass, can I sell them another one? Yes. They can
either buy another Senior Pass or pay the regular Entrance or Use Fee. If an individual
has more than one Senior Pass, as long as id is checked with pass use they will not be
using more than one of them at a time.
8. If a visitor wants to purchase a Senior Pass one week before their 62 birthday,
should I sell them one? No. To be eligible for the pass they must be 62 or older.
INTERAGENCY ACCESS PASS
1. What is the Access Pass? The Access Pass replaces the Golden Access Passport.
It provides access to and use of any Federal recreation site that charges an Entrance or
Standard Amenity Fee and provides a discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees. The
pass is for citizens or permanent residents of the United States, regardless of age, who

40

have been medically determined to have a permanent disability. The pass must be
obtained in person. The pass is free, and it is valid for the lifetime of the pass holder.
2. Which agencies honor the Access Pass? The Forest Service within the
Department of Agriculture, and the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service,
Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation within the Department of
Interior, at sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees are charged. The Corps of
Engineers and Tennessee Valley Authority were not included in the REA legislation, but
these agencies will honor the new Access Pass as they currently honored the Golden
Access Passport.
3. What does the Access Pass cover? The Access Pass admits the pass holder and
accompanying passengers in a single, private vehicle at sites with a vehicle entrance
fee. Where a per-person entrance fee is charged, the Access Pass admits the pass
holder and three persons, 16 and older (15 and under are free).
The Access Pass also provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees
charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching,
and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where expanded amenity fees are
charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is
nontransferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees
or fees charged by concessionaires. Inquire locally for pass acceptance policies.
4. A visitor says he is a disabled veteran and wants to obtain an Access Pass. I
suspect that he is not eligible. What should I do? Remember that some
permanent disabilities may not be obvious. It is not up to the person who is issuing
the Access Pass to make this determination. Instead, explain to the applicant that
persons with a permanent disability (who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents) are
eligible for the Access Pass. A permanent disability is defined as a permanent physical,
mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities,
such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking,
breathing, learning, and working. Provide the definition to him to make sure he
understands the pass eligibility requirements. If he still says that he is eligible, the law
requires that he provide documentation to show proof-of-eligibility. The employee
should ask for the documentation (in most cases you should not offer the Statement of
Disability Form, without at least a request for the documentation). If the applicant
cannot produce the required documentation, he may read and sign the Statement of
Disability Form to receive his Access Pass.
5. What sort of documentation should an applicant provide? The applicant must
submit one of the documents listed in a, b, or c below (the issuing officer should at least
make a polite attempt to obtain the documentation before offering the Statement of
Disability Form), OR the applicant can complete the Statement of Disability Form as
described above.
a) A statement signed by a licensed physician attesting that the applicant has a
permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more
major life activities, and stating the nature of the impairment;
OR

41

b) A document issued by a Federal agency, such as the Veteran’s Administration (VA),
which attests that the applicant has been medically determined to be eligible to receive
Federal benefits as a result of blindness or permanent disability. Other acceptable
Federal agency documents include proof-of-receipt of Social Security Disability Income
(SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). A VA or Social Security enrollment card
is NOT acceptable documentation;
OR
c) A document issued by a state agency such as the vocational rehabilitation agency,
which attests that the applicant has been medically-determined to be eligible to receive
vocational rehabilitation agency benefits or services as a result of medically determined
blindness or permanent disability. Showing a state motor-vehicle department disability
sticker, license plate, or hangtag is NOT acceptable documentation;
OR
If a person claims eligibility for an Access Pass, but cannot produce any of the
documentation outlined in a–c above, then that person must read, sign, and date the
Statement of Disability Form in the presence of the officer issuing the pass. If the
applicant cannot read and/or sign, someone else may read, date, and sign the statement
on his/her behalf in the applicant’s presence and in the presence of the officer issuing
the pass.

6. What if a visitor claims to be partially disabled, do they qualify for the Access
Pass? There is no set percentage (10%, 30%, 50%) related to the disability that is
required for qualification. You can only relay to the visitor the requirement that they have
a permanent disability, that is defined as a permanent physical, mental, or sensory
impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as caring for
oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing,
learning, and working. If they believe they qualify based on the definition and have
supporting documentation they can be issued a pass.
7. What can I do about Access Pass misuse or fraud? Federal land agencies created
the Statement of Disability Form to remove employees from the burden of evaluating
whether an applicant is permanently disabled. The employee may assess ONLY
whether adequate documentation or signature for the pass has been submitted by
the applicant. Provide the applicant the definition of a permanent disability and the
penalties for fraudulently signing the Statement of Disability Form.
8. How old does someone need to be to get an Access Pass? There is no age
requirement for the Access Pass. If an individual is a child and is unable to sign their
own pass a parent or guardian may sign it for them.

VOLUNTEER PASS
1. What is the Volunteer Pass? The Volunteer Pass is new. It will be issued to
volunteers who accrue 500 volunteer hours after January 1, 2007. There is no specific
time frame in which the hours must be accrued. Only one pass per year may be earned.
The pass provides access to or use of any Federal recreation site that charge an

42

Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee. The pass is free, and it is valid for one full year from
month of issuance.
Agency/site volunteer coordinators in coordination with agency points of contact will be
responsible for ordering and issuing the pass.
2. Which agencies honor the Volunteer Pass? The Forest Service within the
Department of Agriculture, and the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service,
Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation within the Department of
Interior, at sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees are charged.
3. What does the Volunteer Pass cover? The Volunteer Pass admits the pass holder
and accompanying passengers in a single, private vehicle at sites with a vehicle
entrance fee. Where a per-person entrance fee is charged, the Volunteer Pass admits
the pass holder and three persons, 16 and older (15 and under are free).
4. Do we need to stock volunteer passes at all locations where other passes are
sold? No. The volunteer passes will be ordered and issued by agency points of contact
in coordination with volunteer coordinators.

HANGTAGS
1. What is a Hangtag? Many agency sites are not regularly staffed by fee collection or
enforcement personnel. At these locations, pass holders must display their passes in
the window of their vehicle. The hangtag is designed to do this and is required for
display. The hangtag offers the visitor a new way to display their pass that meets the
various agencies needs.
2. Where can visitors get a Hangtag? Hangtags will be available at most Federal
recreation land sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee, and at some
agency offices. The hangtags will be issued free of charge, but an individual must have
a valid pass in order to be issued a hangtag. The hangtag for the Annual and Volunteer
Pass will be marked with the same expiration date as the pass.
3. Should a hangtag be given out with every pass? No. We do not have enough
hangtags for them to be given out on a one for one basis. When passes are sold or
issued, if time permits, the visitor should be asked if they think they plan to visit unstaffed
Federal recreation sites such as US Forest Service or BLM sites. If so, they should be
issued a hangtag.
4. What if a visitor shows up at a staffed entrance station site and presents their
hangtag for entry, should they be allowed to enter? No. Hangtags alone will not be
sufficient for entry; a valid pass has to be shown.

43

DECALS
1. What is a Decal? Many agency sites are not regularly staffed by fee collection or
enforcement personnel. For persons driving open topped vehicles (e.g. jeeps,
motorcycles, etc) a decal will be available for issue so they may display proof of payment
without leaving their pass unsecured in their vehicle.
2. Where can visitors get a Decal? An individual must have a valid Annual or
Volunteer Pass in order to be issued a decal. Decals will be available at most Federal
recreation land sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity fee, and at some
Federal agency offices. The decal will be punched with the same expiration date as the
pass. For automobiles decals must be placed on the lower right hand side of the
windshield, and for motorcycles on the front in a clearly visible place.
3. How many decals can be issued per pass? Up to two decals may be issued
per Annual Pass, but only one decal may be issued per Volunteer Pass. The Annual
Pass has two stars to the left of the signature line. One star should be punched for each
decal issued. The Volunteer Pass has on stars to the left of the signature line. The star
should be punched when a decal is issued.
4. What is a visitor wants a decal 6 months after they purchased their pass? Do I
punch the decal to expire in 6 months? Yes. Decals must be punched with the same
expiration date as the pass, regardless of when they are issued.
5. What if a visitor shows up at a staffed entrance station site and points to their
window decal for entry, should they be allowed to enter? No. Decals alone will not
be sufficient for entry; a valid Annual Pass or Volunteer Pass must be shown.

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DEFINITIONS

America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass:
The federal lands pass program created by Congress with the passage of the Federal
Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) in December, 2004.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): A codification of the general and permanent rules
published in the Federal Register, the Executive departments, and agencies of the
Federal Government.
Commercial Group: One or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been
packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that
realizes financial gain by providing the service.
Concession Fees: Rates charged to the public by concessionaires for services such as
lodging or food. Concessionaires are contracted by the Federal recreation sites to
manage accommodations, facilities, and other operations. They may collect entrance,
expanded amenity, and/or transportation fees on behalf of the Federal site when
designated in their contract or done as a separate procurement contract.
Concessionaire: An individual or entity authorized by permit or contract to operate a
business on federal land.
Cooperative Agreement: A written document which reflects a relationship between a
Federal recreation site and a state or local government, tribal government, or other nonfederal partner in which the primary purpose is to transfer money, property, or services
or anything of value to stimulate or support a public purpose.
Cooperating Associations: Non-profit organizations, incorporated under state law,
that have formal agreements with Federal recreation sites to provide program and
financial assistance to activities in interpretation, education, and research through the
production and sale of media that is an educational service to the public.
Designated Fee Area: A federally operated site that has been designated as a
recreational fee area and authorized to charge fees in accordance with the Federal
Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004.
Disability, permanent: A permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment that
substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as caring for oneself,
performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and
working. See 7 CFR §15e.103; see also 29 U.S.C. §705(20).
Domicile: The permanent residence of a person or the place to which s/he intends to
return even though s/he may reside elsewhere. A person may have more than one
residence but has only one domicile.
Entrance Fee: Fee charged to access lands managed by NPS and FWS.

45

Expanded Amenity Fee: Fee charged for specialized facilities and services beyond
entrance fees and standard amenity fees. Examples include camping, boating, and
tours.
Fee Demonstration (“Fee Demo”): A temporary legislative authority that allowed
parks and other federal sites to charge reasonable fees and retain revenues generated
by park entrance receipts, activities, and services. (Recreational Fee Demonstration
Program Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriation Act of 1996 PL 104-134,
§315).
Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (LWCFA): Federal law mandating
the development of a program to charge entrance and activity (use) recreation fees,
based on the premise that persons using certain federal facilities and services should
pay a greater proportion of the operating costs than the general taxpayer.
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA): A written agreement between a Federal
recreation site and local governments, nonprofit organizations, corporations, individuals,
and other federal agencies used to document receipt of funds, goods, and or services by
the Federal recreation site from a non-federal party.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): A written agreement between a Federal
recreation site and state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, corporations,
individuals and other federal agencies used to document mutual assistance
relationships. This agreement should not be used to expend or collect funds.
Non-Commercial Vehicle: Passenger car, van, pick-up truck, converted school bus,
recreational vehicle, or similar vehicle. This term does not include a motorcycle, motor
scooter, motor bicycle, moped, snowmobile, or non-motorized bicycle.
Remittance: Documentation, prepared at the collection location, required for deposit or
transmission of funds to the U.S. Treasury.
Standard Amenity Fee: Fee charged for use of BLM, FS, and Reclamation sites that
have a combination of basic amenities – picnic tables, trash receptacles, toilets,
developed parking, interpretive signing, and security.
Upgrade: When money spent on a previously purchased entrance fee, standard
amenity fee, or pass is credited to the purchase of a higher-priced pass.
Validation: Expiration date punched and signature

46

CONTACTS
NAME
Anthony Bobo
Sherri Hendren
Christina Miller
Markian Rekshynskij
Vernon Lovejoy
Darrell Welch
Richard Rizzi
Sally Bowden
Rebecca Halbe
Lori Jones
Pete Maccini
Dave Menke
Jane Moore
Jane Anderson
Josie Sweeney
Leslie Crossland
Sean Doyle
Shane McGoldrick
Carol D. Mitchell
Karen Newton
Keny Slay
Barclay Trimble
Kim Coons
Tammy Wert
Chris Williamson
Jocelyn Biro
Jennifer Eberlien
Karen Finlayson
Pat Gilbert
Marcia Heyman
Marilyn Hryciw
Chad Jacobson
Vicki Jo Lawson
Jane Leche
Jeff Miller
Joni Packard

AGENCY
BLM
BLM
BLM
BLM
Reclamation
Reclamation
Reclamation
FWS
FWS
FWS
FWS
FWS
NPS – WASO
NPS – WASO
NPS – WASO
NPS – NER
NPS – NCR
NPS – AKR
NPS – MWR
NPS – PWR
NPS – SER
NPS – IMR
NPS – FOFR
NPS – YELL
NPS – ROMO
USDAFS
USDAFS-WASO
USDAFS-REG 5
USDAFS-REG 8
USDAFS-REG 9
USDAFS-REG 6
USDAFS-REG 3
USDAFS-REG 4
USDAFS-REG 2
USDAFS-REG10
USDAFS-REG 1

PHONE
202-452-0333
303-236-6458
406-896-5038
303-445-2913
303-445-2711
757-336-6122
703-358-2365
505-248-6484
703-358-2198
530-667-2231
202-513-7132
303-987-6902
303-969-2298
215-597-5373
202-619-7165
907-644-3385
402-661-1670
510-817-1387
404-562-3108x683
303-969-2458
912-638-3639
307-344-2115
970-586-1439
503-808-2411
202-205-1169
530-647-5393
404-347-4560
414-297-3662
503-808-2379
715-264-2511
801-625-5205
303-275-5349
719-852-5941
406-329-3586

EMAIL
anothony_bobo@blm.gov
sherri_hendren@blm.gov
c50mille@blm.gov
markian_rekshynskij@blm.gov
vlovejoy@do.usbr.gov
dwelch@do.usbr.gov
rrizzi@do.usbr.gov
sally_bowden@fws.gov
rebecca_halbe@fws.gov
lori_jones@fws.gov
peter_maccini@fws.gov
dave_menke@fws.gov
jane_moore@nps.gov
jane_anderson@nps.gov
josie_sweeney@nps.gov
leslie_crossland@nps.gov
sean_doyle@nps.gov
shane_mcgoldrick@nps.gov
carol_d_mitchell@nps.gov
karen_newton@nps.gov
keny_slay@nps.gov
barclay_trimble@nps.gov
kim_coons@nps.gov
tammy_wert@nps.gov
chris_williamson@nps.gov
jbiro@fs.fed.us
jeberlien@fs.fed.us
kfinlayson@fs.fed.us
pgilbert@fs.fed.us
mheyman@fs.fed.us
mhryciw@fs.fed.us
cjacobson@fs.fed.us
vlawson@fs.fed.us
jleche@fs.fed.us
jmiller@fs.fed.us
jpackard@fs.fed.us

Names in Bold are on the Interagency Field Advisory Group

47