The Gifford Pinchot National Forest, including the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, is proposing to raise the cost of accessing our public lands.  Areas at Mount St. Helens that are now free, such as Coldwater Lake and the Loowit Viewpoint, will add a parking fee, and the cost to enter Johnston Ridge may go from $8 to $12 per pserson.  Even today, with many visitors taking advantage of Golden Age and America the Beautiful passes, the Visitor Center can rake in over $5000 per day in entry fees! 

Fees seem to be the new normal, but I worry that the administration of fees--the extra personell needed to sell passes or emply envelopes, or monitor compliance will eat into any profits that may go to on-the-ground improvements.  Please comment.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest - News & Events (usda.gov)