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Show Golden passports ?o tfun i The young, disabled man sat at his desk balancing his checkbook. The family budget had always been close and now that he was permanently handicapped, it was harder than ever to make ends meet. "Recreation for my family is so expensive," he thought. "If only there was a way we could get out for the weekend without spending a fortune. We all enjoy camping and outdoor recreation. I w onder what it costs to use National Forest campgrounds and other Federal facilities?" In federally operated areas that charge fees, the cost varies, but the handicapped father and all persons who are blind or permanently disabled and eligible to receive benefits under Federal law may now qualify for the new Golden Access Passport. The Golden Access Passport, which is free of charge and good for a lifetime, entitles the holder to a reduction or elimination of recreation fees. All who accompany the holder in a private, noncommercial non-commercial vehicle are included, but when fees are charged on a per-person basis, the discount applies to the holder only. This saves all entrance fees to Federal parks, monuments, and recreation areas and 50 percent on certain user fees. The Golden Access Passport is not, however, usable for group reservations, reser-vations, some special service fees, nor does it rover fees charged by private concessionaires. "We want to provide a service to the blind or disabled citizen" says Ashley National Forest Supervisor, James Craig. "This land is everybody's land and the Forests are yours to use." In the Intermountain Region of the Forest Service, there are 16 National Forests covering over 31 million acres with nearly Hoo campgrounds and swim sites, of which 389 are fee sites. There are no entrance fees in the Forest Service, but it is necessary to charge user fees to protect, maintain, and improve the more highly developed and managed sites. "It's easy to obtain your free Golden Access Passport," explains Mr. Craig. "It is available when a person presents information or identification proving he or she is medically determined blind or permanently disabled and qualifies for benefits under Federal law. One may obtain these Passports from any local Forest Service office. "If the applicant meets the requirements, but has no proof of blindness or disability," points out Mr. Craig, "he or she may sign an affidavit in front if the issuing officer and receive a Golden Access Passport." In addition to the new Golden Access Pasport program, the Federal Government offers two other economical plans. One is the Golden Age Passport for citizens 62 years of age or older. This passport is also a free, lifetime entrance permit to all federally operated parks, monuments, and recreation areas which charge entrance fees and it provides a 50 discount on use fees charged for certain facilities and service such as camping. One must apply for a Golden Age Passport in person and present proof of age. It is available at the same locations as the Golden Access Passport. "If a person qualifies for both the Golden Age and Golden Access Passport, each worth a 50 discount, they may not expectT,! percent discount," adds Craig, "im i case, two 50 percents do not etna ! rrcOnly one Passport pni The third recreauonal savings is Golden Eagle Passport at $10 1 i calendar year. This is an annual a : trance permit only and is available to : everyone. It admits the holder ' carload of accompanying people test federally operated parks, monumeji ' and recreational areas where there is j ii charge. This Golden Eagle Passport is 1 1 budget saver for those who pfct numerous visits to areas with entrance . fees. However, the Passport does u ' cover user fees, such as those f camping and other charges. It is vsii for entrance only. Golden Eagle Passports may k purchased by mail for $10 from: I'j Forest Service Headquarters Office. U.S. Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C., 20250; and Nate: Park Service Headquarters Office, l'j Department of the Interior, 18th arcC Streets, N.W., Washington, D.C. 2024C "AH of these Passports are w. available," announced Craig, "ft National Forests are yours to use ai: enjoy. Why not stop in at one of tit offices and pick up your reduced ras Passport to outdoor fun?" |
