By GAGE WILSON
Glasgow News 1
Mammoth Cave National Park is seeking public comments on a proposed increase in cave tour, camping rates, and electric vehicle charging fees, which would take effect in 2024.
“Mammoth Cave utilizes its recreational fee program to focus on projects that improve the visitor experience,” said Superintendent Barclay Trimble. “We have recently used the funds to replace deteriorated and unsafe benches and equipment at the park’s outdoor amphitheater, repaired handrails at the cave’s Historic Entrance that were damaged during a windstorm, and funded cave guides for our busy summer season. The funds we collect are essential to an investment in services and improvements that are necessary to serve the hundreds of thousands of visitors we receive each year.”
According to Mammoth Cave park service, at least 80 percent of the fees collected at Mammoth Cave fund projects that address deferred maintenance needs, enhance visitor programs and services, protect resources and improve and rehabilitate visitor facilities. The remaining 20 percent helps support projects in other National Park Service units that do not charge entrance fees, like Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park.
Molly Schroer, management analyst, said, “We use Recreational Fees for a variety of projects and programs each year. A few that I know of that are coming up for the park are the installation of new entrance signs at three locations: Cedar Sink, Chaumont, Green River.” Schroer also mentioned that improvements will be made to Dennison’s Ferry using the funds as well as a new lighting project inside of the cave.
Rachelle Wright, Coordinator for Friends of Mammoth Cave, said, “Friends is supportive of the funding increases as needed to support the ongoing projects and programs that the park offers visitors. We appreciate the appeal for public comment and hope people will take the time to give their input.”
More information on the fee increase, including a list of all proposed fees, is available for review and comment on the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website from June 26 to July 28. Mail-in comments will be accepted also, and should be addressed to “Mammoth Cave National Park, Attn: Proposed Fee Increase, P.O. Box 7, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259.”
Mail-in comments must be postmarked by July 28, 2023.
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