By the authority vested in him as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, President Donald J. Trump has issued an order focused on improving America's national parks.
The policy aims to preserve opportunities for American families to enjoy national parks by increasing entry fees for foreign tourists while making visits more affordable for U.S. residents. The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with developing a strategy to increase revenue and enhance recreational experiences at national parks. This includes raising entrance and recreation pass fees for nonresidents.
Revenue generated from these increased fees will be used to improve infrastructure and access to federal recreational areas. Additionally, steps will be taken to improve services and affordability for U.S. residents visiting national parks.
The order also directs efforts to encourage international tourism and better utilize underused outdoor recreation areas in America. Furthermore, it mandates a review of the maintenance backlog within the National Park Service and calls for actions to implement the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund.
The Secretary of the Interior is instructed to review all rules related to public use of national parks, aiming to ensure management aligns with this new policy. Any unnecessary restrictions on recreation are to be rescinded, especially those enacted during the prior administration.
A previous Presidential Memorandum from January 12, 2017, promoting diversity and inclusion in national parks, has been revoked by this order.
President Trump's directive clarifies that nothing in this order should impair existing legal authorities or functions related to budgetary or legislative proposals. It also states that no rights or benefits are created by this order enforceable against the United States or its entities.
The costs associated with publishing this order will be covered by the Department of the Interior.
