The National Association of State Park Directors sees state parks playing a significant role in providing recreational opportunities for the nations’ citizens, particularly as these parks are used more extensively by a growing population.  Some of Wyoming’s parks stand to be greatly impacted by increased use.  In light of this trend, SPHS will need more ability to manage state resources.  As demonstrated by other states’ systems, a fee program can give agency officials and policy makers improved management capabilities.

At the same time, it is a tradition in Wyoming to retain state park fee-setting authority in the legislative branch.  Developing a fee system that is mindful of legislative intent, yet flexible enough to offer SPHS opportunities to improve park management, will require balancing those needs.  The federal government provides a model that allows such managerial flexibility.  Congress has given the National Park Service (NPS) latitude to set fees subject to upper limits, and to vary fees among NPS locations. 

The basic framework for how NPS will determine fees is established in federal law, which authorizes NPS to set reasonable fees up to specific ceilings.  Congress also specified the criteria that guide NPS in setting fee levels.  For example, NPS must set fee levels that reflect public policy interests and government costs, while remaining comparable with the private sector.  This approach grants NPS flexibility to vary fees according to circumstances specific to a location. 

Along with the recommendations we make in the report, this approach may be appropriate for Wyoming’s circumstances.  However, the fee program has experienced constant debate and modification for the past decade; recent legislative amendments have yet to take effect.  It maybe unwise to introduce more change immediately, but SPHS can begin to lay the groundwork for adjustments that could bring improved management benefits.  Since fee changes affect the public, any future proposals should be extensively planned and evaluated, as was done with the phase-in of the fee program.  A progressive but deliberate approach can greatly benefit the Wyoming parks and historic sites of the future.