News Releases
For Immediate Release - April 18, 2000
Contact: Amy Vanderbilt (NPS) 406 888-7906
Mary Jo Fox (Governor’s Office) 406 444-5516
On April 18, 2000, Montana Governor Marc Racicot was the first to purchase the new National Parks Pass from Glacier National Park. Governor Racicot's family and all other visitors to Glacier will have a new opportunity to enjoy their parks through the purchase of the new National Parks Pass. The new pass will provide admission for 12 months from the purchase date to all National Park Service (NPS) units where a vehicle or individual (per person) entrance fee is charged.
Governor Racicot said, "I am delighted to be the first Montanan to purchase a new National Parks Pass from Glacier National Park. Besides Glacier, Montana has five other units of the National Park System, including Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, Little Bighorn and Big Hole National Battlefields, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, and Yellowstone National Park. However, unlike Yellowstone, which we share with Wyoming and Idaho, Glacier National Park is Montana's very own national park. By purchasing the Pass directly from Glacier, I have the satisfaction of knowing a large percentage of my $50 will stay directly in the park, and in Montana, benefiting visitor services and resources at home. I urge other Montanans to do the same."
Acting Park Superintendent Denis Davis added to the Governor's remarks, "We are proud to be able to offer the National Parks Pass to Governor Racicot as well as all other residents and non-resident visitors, alike. The Pass is a great value and allows the public to see the wonderful diversity of places like Glacier National Park while at the same time helping fund much-needed projects to improve visitor experiences in the park."
Beginning Tuesday, April 18, the National Parks Pass will be available for sale at Glacier National Park Headquarters. On Saturday, April 22 -- the 30th anniversary of Earth Day -- the entrance station at West Glacier will begin selling the new National Parks Pass on weekends. All other park entrance stations will sell the Parks Pass when they open in May.
Davis stated, "Seventy percent of the proceeds from the sales of National Parks Passes purchased at Glacier National Park will stay in Glacier to be applied directly to projects that help visitors experience and enjoy the area. The remaining 30 percent of the proceeds will go to a general fund that supports projects at any of the 379 NPS units through a competitive process."
The Pass is also available at other parks around the country, on the Internet at www.nationalparks.org or by calling toll-free at 1-888-GO-PARKS. Davis further stated, "Although there are more convenient ways to purchase the pass, anyone wanting their money to help fund visitor service projects at Glacier, is urged to purchase the Pass upon arrival at the park."
Along with the attractive credit-card size Pass, purchasers also receive a PopOut United States Map depicting all 379 NPS units, a "Proud Partner" vehicle decal, and a GoParks Newsletter free subscription offer. GoParks is produced by the National Park Foundation, which honors, enriches, and expands the legacy of private philanthropy that helped create and continues to sustain American's National Parks.
Although the NPS will no longer sell the Golden Eagle Passports at parks, a hologram can be purchased to upgrade the $50 National Parks Pass to Golden Eagle Passport status for an additional $15. According to Davis, "The $65 Golden Eagle Passport will still be valid for the permit holder and accompanying passengers to enter all Federal recreation areas (i.e. units of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management) that charge an entrance fee, including units of the NPS, where entrance fees are collected."
"It is especially appropriate that the introduction of the new pass coincides with the Presidential proclamation for National Park Week 2000 (April 17-23) which provides an annual reminder to all park visitors to take the opportunity to experience the rich heritage, diversity, and spirit of all our national park units throughout the country," Davis concluded. "The Pass provides an economical way for Americans to support and enjoy their national parks 365 days in 379 ways."
For additional information on how to purchase the National Parks Pass, visitors can call (406) 888-7800.
Former Governor Racicot's Page
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