The Department of the Interior has created a new interagency pass to replace the National Parks Pass. The new pass is called "America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass," and it will cover entrance fees and standard amenity fees at sites managed by U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureaus of Land Management and Reclamation. Park entry is free for pass holder and all occupants in a single, non-commercial vehicle or for the pass holder and three adults at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are always admitted free.

"Access to most public lands remains free. The pass applies to those locations that currently have entrance or standard amenity fees. The new program replaces the Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and the Golden Access Passports as well as the National Parks Pass. Existing passes will remain valid until expired, lost or stolen. Sales of the new pass will begin in January 2007 and will be available at federal recreation sites that charge entrance and standard amenity fees." excerpt from U.S. Department of the Interior press release.

The new interagency pass is valid for one year from the month of purchase, and you can buy it online at the USGS store for $80.

(Photo © U.S. Department of the Interior)