National Parks

Opponents questioned the constitutionality of the idea and criticized its vague language.

Scott dismissed any concerns about the constitutionality of his proposal, saying the idea is to help out the federal government, citizens and the tourism industry.

The federal government shutdown, as it has in the past, will affect the national parks and other sites in Wyoming.

The park service received more than 109,000 comments on the proposal, most of them opposed, during a two-month comment period that ended in late December.

The agency estimates the increase would generate an additional $70 million to help address backlogged maintenance and infrastructure projects.

Officials say the higher fees are needed to address a backlog of maintenance and infrastructure projects.

The National Park Service wants an extra $70 million a year to help with their stewardship of our heavily used national parks now and for future generations.

The National Parks Service makes every park in the U.S. free on Sept. 30, 2017. Some are free year round, of course, but all will celebrate the National Park Service's second century. It turned 100 in 2016 and this year offers more.