Hi Folks:



In my last post, I said that the Washington DFW permits were good for a year from the date of purchase. That is INCORRECT. They expire on March 31 regardless of when purchased. These permits are good at Washington State Dept Fish and Wildlife areas, which can be found here: http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/index.html. Jim Brewster (below)offers a nice solution for some of our more experienced citizens, although I?m not quite that experienced (Close, but no cigar.)



Federal Permits are a separate issue. There is a new ?America the Beautiful annual pass which can be purchased for $80.00. Seniors can get a lifetime permit for $ 10.00 (I think the fee is new, I got mine free) for use at daily pay sites like Nisqually NWR and the National Parks. Here is the verbiage from the National Park site: http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm.



America the Beautiful ? National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass ? Annual Pass - Cost $80.




This pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. (children under 16 are admitted free) The pass can be obtained in person at the park, by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1, or via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass.



America the Beautiful ? National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass ? Senior Pass. - Cost $10.




This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.



For the former pass program passes: Golden Eagle Passport and National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle Hologram
These passes have been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful ? National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass? Annual Pass.

Golden Age Passport
This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful ? National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass? Senior Pass

Golden Access Passport
This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful ? National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass? Access Pass

All National Parks Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.



Pete Fahey

Issaquah, WA



Jim Brewster wrote:



>From the NWR Site:



Daily fee is $3.00 per four adults. An Interagency Annual Pass (old Golden Eagle), Senior Pass (old Golden Age), or Access Passport, Federal Duck Stamp, or an Annual Refuge Pass will admit the pass holder and 3 additional adults (over age 16).



Jim Brewster

brewhome at comcast.net