Home Get the Facts FAQ Why use a surcharge on California vehicles to protect parks and conserve wildlife?

Why use a surcharge on California vehicles to protect parks and conserve wildlife?

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A State Park Access Pass surcharge on vehicles is appropriate because day-use fees in state parks are, in essence, parking surcharges that are paid for each vehicle entering the park.  By assessing a surcharge on California vehicles – except larger commercial vehicles, mobile homes and permanent trailers – the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 will allow Californians to pay the surcharge annually and have the benefit of accessing and parking in state parks for FREE year-round.


The surcharge will be significant savings over the $125 currently charged for an annual parks pass which works only at selected parks.  Compared to the current average $10 cost of park visits – and the $14-15 fees at some popular southern California beaches – Californians would essentially get their money back after two visits.
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