Inyo National Forest

News Release

US Forest Service

Inyo National Forest

Contacts: John Louth, (760) 873-2514

Washington, DC (February 25, 2008)...The new 2008 Federal Interagency Recreation Pass, known as the America the Beautiful pass, is now available at all Inyo National Forest Ranger Stations and visitor centers.  The pass is valid for entrance to all National Parks and Monuments and other federal lands that charge an entrance or recreation fee.  Local areas where the pass is valid include Death Valley and Yosemite National Parks, Schulman Grove in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, and the South Tufa area of the Mono Basin Scenic Area.

The Eastern Sierra is honored this year to have a well-known local natural feature pictured on the card, the Alabama Hills arch framing the Sierra crest and Mt. Whitney.  According to White Mountain District Ranger Garry Oye, "The pass is a real value as it allows free entry into federal fee areas and if bought locally, 80% of the purchase price is retained here to help keep visitor and interpretive centers running throughout the busy summer season."

The pass is $80.00 and is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. This card replaces the National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle program which were both phased out last year.  Passes are available at the InterAgency Visitor Center in Lone Pine, the White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop, the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center and the Mono Basin Visitor Center, which is scheduled to re-open in early April.

Those wishing additional information can contact John Louth at the White Mountain Ranger Station at (760) 873-2500.