Starting January 1, 2007:

America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act established a new pass program to replace the National Park Pass and Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports. Beginning January 1, 2007, the America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass program will provide a number of pass options for the public to use at Federal recreation sites where entrance or standard amenity fees are charged.

Click here to go to a list of federal sites in Texas that do issue these passes.

There are four passes in the interagency program:

Annual Pass

The Annual Pass replaces the National Park Pass and Golden Eagle Passport. It is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder +3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. This pass can be obtained by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1, or via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass.

Senior Pass

The Senior Pass replaces the Golden Age Passport. This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder +3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. The pass can only be obtained in person.

The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires. This pass must be obtained in person.

Access Pass

This pass replaces the Golden Access Passport. This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder +3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. This pass can only be obtained in person.

The Access Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires. This pass must be obtained in person.

Volunteer Pass

This pass is for volunteers acquiring 500 service hours on a cumulative basis. It provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of award. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder +3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. Find out more about volunteer opportunities at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.

All National Parks Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.

Here are some additional information sources:

• National Park Service information about the new pass:
  http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm
• Recreation opportunities within any federal land area: www.Recreation.gov
• Frequently asked questions about the new pass: http://store.usgs.gov/pass/general.html

Federal Locations in Texas that issue the America the Beautiful Passes

National Park Service

Amistad National Recreation Area - Del Rio, TX
Big Bend National Park
Fort Davis National Historic Site - Fort Davis, TX
Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Salt Flat, TX
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area - Fritch, TX
Padre Island National Seashore - Corpus Christi, TX

U.S. Forest Service

Davy Crockett National Forest - Apple Spring, TX
Sabine National Forest - Hemphill, TX
Caddo-LBJ Grasslands - Decatur, TX
Angelina National Forest - Sam Rayburn Lake, TX

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Austinwell, TX
Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge - Freeport, TX
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - McAllen, TX

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is not authorized to issue the new passes, but is being allowed to honor associated discounts for passholders.