Your Fee Dollars at Work

Recreation fees provide a vital source of revenue for improving facilities and services for park visitors. The National Park Service collects entrance fees under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), passed by Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2004. Eighty percent of entrance fees collected at fee parks stays in its respective park and is used for projects directly related to visitor enjoyment, resource protection, and safety. The remaining 20 percent is distributed throughout the national park system, helping to support park units that do not collect entrance fees, such as Curecanti National Recreation Area.

National parks have experienced record-breaking visitation in recent years. Throughout the country, the combination of an aging infrastructure and increased visitation has put a strain on park roads, bridges, campgrounds, waterlines, bathrooms, and other visitor services and led to a multi-billion-dollar deferred maintenance backlog nationwide.

Click here to learn more about the National Park Service's fee program.

Fee-funded Projects at Curecanti

Elk Creek Marina Ramp Improvements

The recent $126,000 project, funded by park recreation fee revenue coming from boating and camping fees, replaced about 7,000 square feet (650 square meters) of concrete ramp that was originally constructed in the 1960s. It was cracked, broken, and crumbling due to age and heavy use. The repairs now make much of the ramp smoother and more accessible for boaters.

Design Replacement Exhibits for Elk Creek Visitor Center

Recreation fee funding is facilitating the design phase of new permanent exhibits for Curecanti's Elk Creek Visitor Center, following the recent rehabilitation of the structure. This will include approximately 1,200 square feet (111 square meters) of indoor and outdoor exhibits, providing orientation and safety messaging, as well as interpretation of Curecanti's natural and cultural history, emphasizing accessibility and improvement of the visitor experience.

Interpretive Ranger Programs and Services

A 2022-2024 project funded two seasonal park rangers to provide interpretive programs, including evening programs, junior ranger programs, and roving contacts in Curecanti campgrounds.