Parks Division imposes fees for senior citizens, mulls changes in rules

Monday, Nov. 8, 1999 | 9:23 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Starting in January senior citizens won't be receiving a free ride to any of Nevada's state parks.

Not only that, newcomers to the state will have to stick around awhile before they can get a cheaper annual pass.

The state Parks Division is circulating new regulations proposing higher fees at some parks and rule changes at some recreation areas.

For years residents 60 and older -- even those new to the state -- could qualify for a free annual permit that allowed unlimited access to any park in the system.

The 1999 Legislature changed that. It raised the eligible age to 65 and required a person be a resident for five years. The cost of an annual pass will now be $10 a year to cover administrative costs.

That will make the eligibility for senior park permits match the guidelines for reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses issued by the state Division of Wildlife, State Parks Administrator Wayne Perock.

A public hearing has been set by the division for Nov. 29 in Carson City on the change in regulations.

Higher fees also are being weighed for several state parks. The higher fees are expected to generate about $150,000 more a year, or about 1 percent of what is now collected. The money goes back into the budget of the state agency.

Even with these slightly higher costs, visiting a Nevada park "is still a good deal," says Perock, compared to taking the family to the movies or out to dinner.

Changes to state park fees and rules to be considered:

The fort now has the amenities of a state park, he said. The $2 fee for adults is the same as charged by the state Museum in Southern Nevada.