About the Volunteer Pass   |   Eligibility for a Volunteer Pass   |   Volunteer Pass Use   |   Volunteer Pass Benefits

ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER PASS  top

1. What is the Volunteer Pass?

   A Volunteer Pass is awarded to those individuals who volunteer 500 hours on recreation lands managed by one or more of five Federal agencies as a way to say "thank you!"

2. Which agencies participate in the Volunteer Pass program?

   Volunteer hours may be accrued on lands managed by the following:

   • Bureau of Land Management (BLM) http://www.blm.gov
   • Bureau of Reclamation http://www.usbr.gov
   • Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) http://www.fws.gov
   • USDA Forest Service (USDA FS) http://www.fs.fed.us
   • National Park Service (NPS) http://www.nps.gov
3. Where can I find out about volunteer opportunities on Federal recreation lands?

   http://www.volunteer.gov/gov/ OR Inquire Locally

ELIGIBILITY FOR A VOLUNTEER PASS  top

1. Who qualifies for the Volunteer Pass?

   The Volunteer Pass will be issued free of charge to volunteers who accrue 500 volunteer hours. Hours accrued prior to January 1, 2007 do not count towards a Volunteer Pass.

2. Do I have to accrue the 500 hours in one calendar year?

   No. There is no specific timeframe in which volunteer hours must be accrued. Hours can be accrued over one, or several, calendar years.

3. How will volunteer hours be recorded and tracked?

   Work with your local Federal recreation site supervisor or Volunteer Coordinator to track your hours. Whatever format you use to track your time, be sure to keep copies for your records.

4. What happens when a volunteer reaches the 500 hours?

   Once the 500 hour requirement is reached, a pass is issued, and the volunteer's "pass hours"; are reset to zero and the count begins again.

5. Can I accrue hours on lands managed by more than one Federal agency, or can I only accrue them by volunteering with one agency?

   You can accrue 500 hours by volunteering on Federal recreation lands managed by one or all of five agencies - NPS, BLM, USDA FS, FWS, and Reclamation. For example, you can volunteer 100 hours for each of the five agencies and earn a pass.

6. What type of volunteer activities/projects count towards my 500 Volunteer Pass hours?

   All activities that have been pre-approved by the Volunteer Coordinator count toward the required 500 hours. Remember to get your record of volunteer hours signed by applicable Volunteer Coordinator(s).

7. If a person volunteers more than 500 hours in one year, do they receive additional passes?

   No. If a volunteer works more than the 500 hours a year they still earn only one pass per year.

8. Are campground hosts eligible to receive a Volunteer Pass?

   Yes. Campground hosts are eligible to receive a Volunteer Pass once they have completed 500 hours of service. Stipends that are usually provided to campground hosts do not preclude the host from receiving a pass.

9. Who will issue the Volunteer Pass?

   The Federal Volunteer Coordinator who authorizes that a volunteer has accrued 500 hours.

VOLUNTEER PASS USE  top

1. How long is the Volunteer Pass valid?

   The Volunteer Pass is valid for 12 months from the month of issuance.

2. Can a volunteer give their pass to someone else if they already have an annual or lifetime pass?

   No. Volunteer Passes are non-transferable and may not be given to someone else or traded in for cash equivalent. The Volunteer Pass is only one means of recognizing a volunteer, so if a volunteer already has a pass, other types of acknowledgement will be offered in place of a pass.

   Note: Photo identification may be requested at Federal recreation sites to verify pass ownership.

3. What does the Volunteer Pass cover?

   The Volunteer Pass admits pass owner and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas, and pass owner + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, where per-person fee as are charged. (Children under 16 are always admitted free.)

4. Is the Volunteer Pass valid at un-staffed Federal recreation sites?

   Yes. A free Hangtag is available with the Volunteer Pass, providing a way to display the pass so it is visible through the windshield of a vehicle.

   • Insert your Volunteer Pass on the side of the Hangtag stating "Annual" with the back side of the pass facing out.
   • When visiting un-staffed Federal recreation sites, place the Hangtag on your rearview mirror, ensuring your pass is facing towards your vehicle window.
   • Hangtags are merely a way to display your valid pass and they are not valid for entry without a valid pass.
5. My family is traveling in two cars; will one Volunteer Pass let all of us into the site?

   No. Only the vehicle with the pass owner is covered. The second vehicle is subject to an entrance fee, or must use a second pass.

6. My spouse and I are each riding our own motorcycle or scooter; will one Volunteer Pass cover both entrance and/or user fees?

   No. At sites with per vehicle entrance fees or user fees the Volunteer Pass will cover entrance or use for the pass owner on one motorcycle only.

7. I have a school bus that has been converted into a motor home. Will the Volunteer Pass cover my entrance or user fee for a Federal recreation site?

   Yes. However, you may be questioned if the vehicle still looks like a school bus, and not a private motor home. (The Pass covers entrance and user fees for a single non-commercial vehicle).

VOLUNTEER PASS BENEFITS  top

1. Does the Volunteer Pass include any discounts at Cooperating Association bookstores, or at gift shops that are located in the Federal Recreation sites?

   No. The Volunteer Pass does not provide discounts at Cooperating Association bookstores or on-site gift shops.

2. Does the Volunteer Pass provide any discounts on Expanded Amenity or Concessionaire (Concessioner) Fees?

   No. The Volunteer Pass does not cover discounts on any Expanded Amenity or Concessionaire Fees such as: camping, RV hook-ups, boat launching, backcountry permits, parking at Mount Rushmore, guided cave tours at Wind Cave National Park; or parking at some historic monuments or homes.

3. How can I tell the difference between a Standard Amenity Fee, an Expanded Amenity Fee, a Special Recreation Permit Fee, or a Concessionaire (Concessioner) Fee?

   Since the pass program is managed by five Federal agencies that operate under different regulations and charge different types of fees, it can be confusing to sort out fees, terminology, and to distinguish between a "Federally-managed facility/activity" versus a "concession-managed facility/activity".

   Please see the Definitions section for further details, but more importantly, Inquire Locally with your fee and Pass-acceptance related questions.

4. Is a Volunteer Pass valid at State Parks or local city/county Recreation Areas?

   No. The Annual Pass is valid only at participating Federal recreation sites. Visit http://www.recreation.gov for information about Federal recreation sites.