Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke and Congressman Riley M. Moore (WV-02) have expressed support for a new policy from the Trump Administration that changes the fee structure for national parks. The policy, announced by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, introduces an Annual Pass costing $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents. It also includes an additional $100 surcharge per foreign visitor at 11 of the most visited national parks, while keeping entrance fees unchanged for Americans.
The National Parks system currently faces a $23 billion backlog in deferred maintenance. Supporters of the new policy say it will help fund necessary improvements and maintain park infrastructure.
In a joint statement, Zinke and Moore said: “President Trump and Secretary Burgum are putting Americans first by asking foreign visitors to pay their fair share while holding entrance fees steady for the American people. This policy ensures that our beautiful national heritage is preserved and the critical maintenance backlog is addressed so that America’s national parks will remain affordable, well-maintained, and financially sustainable for generations to come. We owe it to future generations of Americans – our children and grandchildren – to ensure our beautiful natural heritage that God created is well preserved.
Now, Congress must act to codify this America-First fee structure by passing our bill, The PATRIOT Parks Act. Our legislation is essential to guaranteeing that these reforms remain in place for generations to come, and that Americans are put First in our own parks.”
Zinke and Moore introduced the PATRIOT Parks Act in July in the House of Representatives to make these changes permanent. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Jim Banks (R-IN).
Ryan Zinke has represented Montana’s 1st district in Congress since 2023 after succeeding Steve Daines. He previously served in the Montana Senate from 2009 to 2013 and was born in Bozeman, Montana in 1961. He currently resides in Whitefish.
