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HOME Primary Supporting Documents Primary Supporting Documents Text of Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act
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Text of Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act |
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On December 8, 2004 the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program was repealed. In it's place was substituted the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) which appears below.
This legislation was became law after being attached to an Appropriations bill as a "rider." Similar language had been introduced in the US House of Representatives (HR 3283), but never received a vote. No similar language was ever introduced in the US Senate. Had this bill not become law through this devious route, the Recreation Fee Demonstration would have quietly ran its course and access to public lands would be free once more.
Within days of it's passage, FLREA was given the name by which it is now commonly know, the "Recreation Access Tax" (RAT).
H.R.4818
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (Enrolled as Agreed to or
Passed by Both House and Senate)
VIII--FEDERAL LANDS RECREATION ENHANCEMENT ACT
SEC. 801. SHORT TITLE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title- This title may be cited as the `Federal Lands Recreation
Enhancement Act'.
(b) Table of Contents- The table of contents of this Act is as follows:
Sec. 801. Short title and table of contents.
Sec. 803. Recreation fee authority.
Sec. 804. Public participation.
Sec. 805. Recreation passes.
Sec. 806. Cooperative agreements.
Sec. 807. Special account and distribution of fees and revenues.
Sec. 810. Sunset provision.
Sec. 812. Enforcement and protection of receipts.
Sec. 813. Repeal of superseded admission and use fee authorities.
Sec. 814. Relation to other laws and fee collection authorities.
Sec. 815. Limitation on use of fees for employee bonuses.
SEC. 802. DEFINITIONS.
(1) STANDARD AMENITY RECREATION FEE- The term `standard amenity
recreation fee' means the recreation fee authorized by section 3(f).
(2) EXPANDED AMENITY RECREATION FEE- The term `expanded amenity
recreation fee' means the recreation fee authorized by section 3(g).
(3) ENTRANCE FEE- The term `entrance fee' means the recreation fee
authorized to be charged to enter onto lands managed by the National Park
Service or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
(4) FEDERAL LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCY- The term `Federal land management
agency' means the National Park Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, or the
Forest Service.
(5) FEDERAL RECREATIONAL LANDS AND WATERS- The term `Federal
recreational lands and waters' means lands or waters managed by a Federal
land management agency.
(6) NATIONAL PARKS AND FEDERAL RECREATIONAL LANDS PASS- The term
`National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass' means the interagency
national pass authorized by section 5.
(7) PASSHOLDER- The term `passholder' means the person who is issued a
recreation pass.
(8) RECREATION FEE- The term `recreation fee' means an entrance fee,
standard amenity recreation fee, expanded amenity recreation fee, or special
recreation permit fee.
(9) RECREATION PASS- The term `recreation pass' means the National Parks
and Federal Recreational Lands Pass or one of the other recreation passes
available as authorized by section 5.
(10) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means--
(A) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to a Federal land
management agency (other than the Forest Service); and
(B) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to the Forest
Service.
(11) SECRETARIES- The term `Secretaries' means the Secretary of the
Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture acting jointly.
(12) SPECIAL ACCOUNT- The term `special account' means the special
account established in the Treasury under section 7 for a Federal land
management agency.
(13) SPECIAL RECREATION PERMIT FEE- The term `special recreation permit
fee' means the fee authorized by section 3(h).
SEC. 803. RECREATION FEE AUTHORITY.
(a) Authority of Secretary- Beginning in fiscal year 2005 and thereafter,
the Secretary may establish, modify, charge, and collect recreation fees at
Federal recreational lands and waters as provided for in this section.
(b) Basis for Recreation Fees- Recreation fees shall be established in a
manner consistent with the following criteria:
(1) The amount of the recreation fee shall be commensurate with the
benefits and services provided to the visitor.
(2) The Secretary shall consider the aggregate effect of recreation fees
on recreation users and recreation service providers.
(3) The Secretary shall consider comparable fees charged elsewhere and
by other public agencies and by nearby private sector operators.
(4) The Secretary shall consider the public policy or management
objectives served by the recreation fee.
(5) The Secretary shall obtain input from the appropriate Recreation
Resource Advisory Committee, as provided in section 4(d).
(6) The Secretary shall consider such other factors or criteria as
determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(c) Special Considerations- The Secretary shall establish the minimum
number of recreation fees and shall avoid the collection of multiple or
layered recreation fees for similar uses, activities, or programs.
(d) Limitations on Recreation Fees-
(1) PROHIBITION ON FEES FOR CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OR SERVICES- The
Secretary shall not charge any standard amenity recreation fee or expanded
amenity recreation fee for Federal recreational lands and waters
administered by the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, or the
Bureau of Reclamation under this Act for any of the following:
(A) Solely for parking, undesignated parking, or picnicking along
roads or trailsides.
(B) For general access unless specifically authorized under this
section.
(C) For dispersed areas with low or no investment unless specifically
authorized under this section.
(D) For persons who are driving through, walking through, boating
through, horseback riding through, or hiking through Federal recreational
lands and waters without using the facilities and services.
(E) For camping at undeveloped sites that do not provide a minimum
number of facilities and services as described in subsection
(g)(2)(A).
(F) For use of overlooks or scenic pullouts.
(G) For travel by private, noncommercial vehicle over any national
parkway or any road or highway established as a part of the Federal-aid
System, as defined in section 101 of title 23, United States Code, which
is commonly used by the public as a means of travel between two places
either or both of which are outside any unit or area at which recreation
fees are charged under this Act.
(H) For travel by private, noncommercial vehicle, boat, or aircraft
over any road or highway, waterway, or airway to any land in which such
person has any property right if such land is within any unit or area at
which recreation fees are charged under this Act.
(I) For any person who has a right of access for hunting or fishing
privileges under a specific provision of law or treaty.
(J) For any person who is engaged in the conduct of official Federal,
State, Tribal, or local government business.
(K) For special attention or extra services necessary to meet the
needs of the disabled.
(2) RELATION TO FEES FOR USE OF HIGHWAYS OR ROADS- An entity that pays a
special recreation permit fee or similar permit fee shall not be subject to
a road cost-sharing fee or a fee for the use of highways or roads that are
open to private, noncommercial use within the boundaries of any Federal
recreational lands or waters, as authorized under section 6 of Public Law
88-657 (16 U.S.C. 537; commonly known as the Forest Roads and Trails
Act).
(3) PROHIBITION ON FEES FOR CERTAIN PERSONS OR PLACES- The Secretary
shall not charge an entrance fee or standard amenity recreation fee for the
following:
(A) Any person under 16 years of age.
(B) Outings conducted for noncommercial educational purposes by
schools or bona fide academic institutions.
(C) The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, Independence National Historical
Park, any unit of the National Park System within the District of
Columbia, or Arlington House-Robert E. Lee National Memorial.
(D) The Flight 93 National Memorial.
(E) Entrance on other routes into the Great Smoky Mountains National
Park or any part thereof unless fees are charged for entrance into that
park on main highways and thoroughfares.
(F) Entrance on units of the National Park System containing deed
restrictions on charging fees.
(G) An area or unit covered under section 203 of the Alaska National
Interest Lands Conservation Act (Public Law 96-487; 16 U.S.C. 410hh-2),
with the exception of Denali National Park and Preserve.
(H) A unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System created, expanded,
or modified by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (Public
Law 96-487).
(I) Any person who visits a unit or area under the jurisdiction of the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service and who has been issued a valid
migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp issued under section 2 of
the Act of March 16, 1934 (16 U.S.C. 718b; commonly known as the Duck
Stamp Act).
(J) Any person engaged in a nonrecreational activity authorized under
a valid permit issued under any other Act, including a valid grazing
permit.
(4) NO RESTRICTION ON RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES- Nothing in this Act
shall limit the use of recreation opportunities only to areas designated for
collection of recreation fees.
(1) AUTHORIZED SITES FOR ENTRANCE FEES- The Secretary of the Interior
may charge an entrance fee for a unit of the National Park System, including
a national monument administered by the National Park Service, or for a unit
of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
(2) PROHIBITED SITES- The Secretary shall not charge an entrance fee for
Federal recreational lands and waters managed by the Bureau of Land
Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, or the Forest Service.
(f) Standard Amenity Recreation Fee- Except as limited by subsection (d),
the Secretary may charge a standard amenity recreation fee for Federal
recreational lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land
Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, or the Forest Service, but only at the
following:
(1) A National Conservation Area.
(2) A National Volcanic Monument.
(3) A destination visitor or interpretive center that provides a broad
range of interpretive services, programs, and media.
(A) that provides significant opportunities for outdoor
recreation;
(B) that has substantial Federal investments;
(C) where fees can be efficiently collected; and
(D) that contains all of the following amenities:
(i) Designated developed parking.
(ii) A permanent toilet facility.
(iii) A permanent trash receptacle.
(iv) Interpretive sign, exhibit, or kiosk.
(g) Expanded Amenity Recreation Fee-
(1) NPS AND USFWS AUTHORITY- Except as limited by subsection (d), the
Secretary of the Interior may charge an expanded amenity recreation fee,
either in addition to an entrance fee or by itself, at Federal recreational
lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service or the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service when the Secretary of the Interior
determines that the visitor uses a specific or specialized facility,
equipment, or service.
(2) OTHER FEDERAL LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES- Except as limited by
subsection (d), the Secretary may charge an expanded amenity recreation fee,
either in addition to a standard amenity fee or by itself, at Federal
recreational lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service,
the Bureau of Land Management, or the Bureau of Reclamation, but only for
the following facilities or services:
(A) Use of developed campgrounds that provide at least a majority of
the following:
(i) Tent or trailer spaces.
(v) The collection of the fee by an employee or agent of the Federal
land management agency.
(vi) Reasonable visitor protection.
(viii) Toilet facilities.
(ix) Simple devices for containing a campfire.
(B) Use of highly developed boat launches with specialized facilities
or services such as mechanical or hydraulic boat lifts or facilities,
multi-lane paved ramps, paved parking, restrooms and other improvements
such as boarding floats, loading ramps, or fish cleaning
stations.
(C) Rental of cabins, boats, stock animals, lookouts, historic
structures, group day-use or overnight sites, audio tour devices, portable
sanitation devices, binoculars or other equipment.
(D) Use of hookups for electricity, cable, or sewer.
(E) Use of sanitary dump stations.
(F) Participation in an enhanced interpretive program or special
tour.
(G) Use of reservation services.
(H) Use of transportation services.
(I) Use of areas where emergency medical or first-aid services are
administered from facilities staffed by public employees or employees
under a contract or reciprocal agreement with the Federal
Government.
(J) Use of developed swimming sites that provide at least a majority
of the following:
(i) Bathhouse with showers and flush toilets.
(v) Attendants, including lifeguards.
(vi) Floats encompassing the swimming area.
(h) Special Recreation Permit Fee- The Secretary may issue a special
recreation permit, and charge a special recreation permit fee in connection
with the issuance of the permit, for specialized recreation uses of Federal
recreational lands and waters, such as group activities, recreation events,
motorized recreational vehicle use.
SEC. 804. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
(a) In General- As required in this section, the Secretary shall provide
the public with opportunities to participate in the development of or changing
of a recreation fee established under this Act.
(b) Advance Notice- The Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal
Register of the establishment of a new recreation fee area for each agency 6
months before establishment. The Secretary shall publish notice of a new
recreation fee or a change to an existing recreation fee established under
this Act in local newspapers and publications located near the site at which
the recreation fee would be established or changed.
(c) Public Involvement- Before establishing any new recreation fee area,
the Secretary shall provide opportunity for public involvement by--
(1) establishing guidelines for public involvement;
(2) establishing guidelines on how agencies will demonstrate on an
annual basis how they have provided information to the public on the use of
recreation fee revenues; and
(3) publishing the guidelines in paragraphs (1) and (2) in the Federal
Register.
(d) Recreation Resource Advisory Committee-
(A) AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH- Except as provided in subparagraphs (C)
and (D), the Secretary or the Secretaries shall establish a Recreation
Resource Advisory Committee in each State or region for Federal
recreational lands and waters managed by the Forest Service or the Bureau
of Land Management to perform the duties described in paragraph
(2).
(B) NUMBER OF COMMITTEES- The Secretary may have as many additional
Recreation Resource Advisory Committees in a State or region as the
Secretary considers necessary for the effective operation of this
Act.
(C) EXCEPTION- The Secretary shall not establish a Recreation Resource
Advisory Committee in a State if the Secretary determines, in consultation
with the Governor of the State, that sufficient interest does not exist to
ensure that participation on the Committee is balanced in terms of the
points of view represented and the functions to be performed.
(D) USE OF OTHER ENTITIES- In lieu of establishing a Recreation
Resource Advisory Committee under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may use
a Resource Advisory Committee established pursuant to another provision of
law and in accordance with that law or a recreation fee advisory board
otherwise established by the Secretary to perform the duties specified in
paragraph (2).
(2) DUTIES- In accordance with the procedures required by paragraph (9),
a Recreation Resource Advisory Committee may make recommendations to the
Secretary regarding a standard amenity recreation fee or an expanded amenity
recreation fee, whenever the recommendations relate to public concerns in
the State or region covered by the Committee regarding--
(A) the implementation of a standard amenity recreation fee or an
expanded amenity recreation fee or the establishment of a specific
recreation fee site;
(B) the elimination of a standard amenity recreation fee or an
expanded amenity recreation fee; or
(C) the expansion or limitation of the recreation fee
program.
(3) MEETINGS- A Recreation Resource Advisory Committee shall meet at
least annually, but may, at the discretion of the Secretary, meet as often
as needed to deal with citizen concerns about the recreation fee program in
a timely manner.
(4) NOTICE OF REJECTION- If the Secretary rejects the recommendation of
a Recreation Resource Advisory Committee, the Secretary shall issue a notice
that identifies the reasons for rejecting the recommendation to the
Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate not later than 30 days before the
Secretary implements a decision pertaining to that
recommendation.
SEC. 805. RECREATION PASSES.
(a) America the Beautiful--the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass-
(1) AVAILABILITY AND
USE- The Secretaries shall establish, and may charge a fee for, an
interagency national pass to be known as the `America the
Beautiful--the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass',
which shall cover the entrance fee and standard amenity recreation fee
for all Federal recreational lands and waters for which an entrance fee
or a standard amenity recreation fee is charged.
(2) IMAGE COMPETITION
FOR RECREATION PASS- The Secretaries shall hold an annual competition
to select the image to be used on the National Parks and Federal
Recreational Lands Pass for a year. The competition shall be open to
the public and used as a means to educate the American people about
Federal recreational lands and waters.
(3) NOTICE OF
ESTABLISHMENT- The Secretaries shall publish a notice in the Federal
Register when the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is
first established and available for purchase.
(4) DURATION- The
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass shall be valid for a
period of 12 months from the date of the issuance of the recreation
pass to a passholder, except in the case of the age and disability
discounted passes issued under subsection (b).
(5) PRICE- The
Secretaries shall establish the price at which the National Parks and
Federal Recreational Lands Pass will be sold to the public.
(6) SALES LOCATIONS AND MARKETING-
(A) IN GENERAL-
The Secretary shall sell the National Parks and Federal Recreational
Lands Pass at all Federal recreational lands and waters at which an
entrance fee or a standard amenity recreation fee is charged and at
such other locations as the Secretaries consider appropriate and
feasible.
(B) USE OF VENDORS- The Secretary may enter into fee management agreements as provided in section 6.
(C) MARKETING-
The Secretaries shall take such actions as are appropriate to provide
for the active marketing of the National Parks and Federal Recreational
Lands Pass.
(7) ADMINISTRATIVE
GUIDELINES- The Secretaries shall issue guidelines on administration of
the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which shall
include agreement on price, the distribution of revenues between the
Federal land management agencies, the sharing of costs, benefits
provided, marketing and design, adequate documentation for age and
disability discounts under subsection (b), and the issuance of that
recreation pass to volunteers. The Secretaries shall take into
consideration all relevant visitor and sales data available in
establishing the guidelines.
(8) DEVELOPMENT AND
IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENTS- The Secretaries may enter into cooperative
agreements with governmental and nongovernmental entities for the
development and implementation of the National Parks and Federal
Recreational Lands Pass Program.
(9) PROHIBITION ON
OTHER NATIONAL RECREATION PASSES- The Secretary may not establish any
national recreation pass, except as provided in this section.
(1) AGE DISCOUNT- The
Secretary shall make the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands
Pass available, at a cost of $10.00, to any United States citizen or
person domiciled in the United States who is 62 years of age or older,
if the citizen or person provides adequate proof of such age and such
citizenship or residency. The National Parks and Federal Recreational
Lands Pass made available under this subsection shall be valid for the
lifetime of the pass holder.
(2) DISABILITY
DISCOUNT- The Secretary shall make the National Parks and Federal
Recreational Lands Pass available, without charge, to any United States
citizen or person domiciled in the United States who has been medically
determined to be permanently disabled for purposes of section
7(20)(B)(i) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
705(20)(B)(i)), if the citizen or person provides adequate proof of the
disability and such citizenship or residency. The National Parks and
Federal Recreational Lands Pass made available under this subsection
shall be valid for the lifetime of the passholder.
(c) Site-Specific Agency
Passes- The Secretary may establish and charge a fee for a
site-specific pass that will cover the entrance fee or standard amenity
recreation fee for particular Federal recreational lands and waters for
a specified period not to exceed 12 months.
(d) Regional Multientity Passes-
(1) PASSES
AUTHORIZED- The Secretary may establish and charge a fee for a regional
multientity pass that will be accepted by one or more Federal land
management agencies or by one or more governmental or nongovernmental
entities for a specified period not to exceed 12 months. To include a
Federal land management agency or governmental or nongovernmental
entity over which the Secretary does not have jurisdiction, the
Secretary shall obtain the consent of the head of such agency or entity.
(2) REGIONAL
MULTIENTITY PASS AGREEMENT- In order to establish a regional
multientity pass under this subsection, the Secretary shall enter into
a regional multientity pass agreement with all the participating
agencies or entities on price, the distribution of revenues between
participating agencies or entities, the sharing of costs, benefits
provided, marketing and design, and the issuance of the pass to
volunteers. The Secretary shall take into consideration all relevant
visitor and sales data available when entering into this agreement.
(e) Discounted or Free
Admission Days or Use- The Secretary may provide for a discounted or
free admission day or use of Federal recreational lands and waters.
(f) Effect on Existing Passports and Permits-
(1) EXISTING
PASSPORTS- A passport issued under section 4 of the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a) or title VI of the
National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-391; 16
U.S.C. 5991-5995), such as the Golden Eagle Passport, the Golden Age
Passport, the Golden Access Passport, and the National Parks Passport,
that was valid on the day before the publication of the Federal
Register notice required under subsection (a)(3) shall be valid in
accordance with the terms agreed to at the time of issuance of the
passport, to the extent practicable, and remain in effect until
expired, lost, or stolen.
(2) PERMITS- A permit
issued under section 4 of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of
1965 that was valid on the day before the date of the enactment of this
Act shall be valid and remain in effect until expired, revoked, or
suspended.
SEC. 806. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.
(a) Fee Management
Agreement- Notwithstanding chapter 63 of title 31, United States Code,
the Secretary may enter into a fee management agreement, including a
contract, which may provide for a reasonable commission, reimbursement,
or discount, with the following entities for the following purposes:
(1) With any
governmental or nongovernmental entity, including those in a gateway
community, for the purpose of obtaining fee collection and processing
services, including visitor reservation services.
(2) With any
governmental or nongovernmental entity, including those in a gateway
community, for the purpose of obtaining emergency medical services.
(3) With any governmental entity, including those in a gateway community, to obtain law enforcement services.
(b) Revenue Sharing- A
State or legal subdivision of a State that enters into an agreement
with the Secretary under subsection (a) may share in a percentage of
the revenues collected at the site in accordance with that fee
management agreement.
(c) County Proposals- The
Secretary shall consider any proposal submitted by a county to provide
services described in subsection (a). If the Secretary decides not to
enter into a fee management agreement with the county under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall notify the county in writing of the decision,
identifying the reasons for the decision. The fee management agreement
may include cooperative site planning and management provisions.
SEC. 807. SPECIAL ACCOUNT AND DISTRIBUTION OF FEES AND REVENUES.
(a) Special Account- The
Secretary of the Treasury shall establish a special account in the
Treasury for each Federal land management agency.
(b) Deposits- Subject to
subsections (c), (d), and (e), revenues collected by each Federal land
management agency under this Act shall--
(1) be deposited in its special account; and
(2) remain available for expenditure, without further appropriation, until expended.
(c) Distribution of Recreation Fees and Single-Site Agency Pass Revenues-
(1) LOCAL DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS-
(A) RETENTION OF
REVENUES- Not less than 80 percent of the recreation fees and
site-specific agency pass revenues collected at a specific unit or area
of a Federal land management agency shall remain available for
expenditure, without further appropriation, until expended at that unit
or area.
(B) REDUCTION-
The Secretary may reduce the percentage allocation otherwise applicable
under subparagraph (A) to a unit or area of a Federal land management
agency, but not below 60 percent, for a fiscal year if the Secretary
determines that the revenues collected at the unit or area exceed the
reasonable needs of the unit or area for which expenditures may be made
for that fiscal year.
(2) AGENCY-WIDE
DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS- The balance of the recreation fees and
site-specific agency pass revenues collected at a specific unit or area
of a Federal land management and not distributed in accordance with
paragraph (1) shall remain available to that Federal land management
agency for expenditure on an agency-wide basis, without further
appropriation, until expended.
(3) OTHER AMOUNTS-
Other amounts collected at other locations, including recreation fees
collected by other entities or for a reservation service, shall remain
available, without further appropriation, until expended in accordance
with guidelines established by the Secretary.
(d) Distribution of
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Revenues- Revenues
collected from the sale of the National Parks and Federal Recreational
Lands Pass shall be deposited in the special accounts established for
the Federal land management agencies in accordance with the guidelines
issued under section 5(a)(7).
(e) Distribution of
Regional Multientity Pass Revenues- Revenues collected from the sale of
a regional multientity pass authorized under section 5(d) shall be
deposited in each participating Federal land management agency's
special account in accordance with the terms of the region multientity
pass agreement for the regional multientity pass.
SEC. 808. EXPENDITURES.
(a) Use of Fees at Specific Site or Area- Amounts available for expenditure at a specific site or area--
(1) shall be accounted for separately from the amounts collected;
(2) may be distributed agency-wide; and
(3) shall be used only for--
(A) repair,
maintenance, and facility enhancement related directly to visitor
enjoyment, visitor access, and health and safety;
(B) interpretation, visitor information, visitor service, visitor needs assessments, and signs;
(C) habitat
restoration directly related to wildlife-dependent recreation that is
limited to hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, or photography;
(D) law enforcement related to public use and recreation;
(E) direct operating or capital costs associated with the recreation fee program; and
(F) a fee management agreement established under section 6(a) or a visitor reservation service.
(b) Limitation on Use of
Fees- The Secretary may not use any recreation fees for biological
monitoring on Federal recreational lands and waters under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 for listed or candidate species.
(c) Administration,
Overhead, and Indirect Costs- The Secretary may use not more than an
average of 15 percent of total revenues collected under this Act for
administration, overhead, and indirect costs related to the recreation
fee program by that Secretary.
(d) Transitional
Exception- Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the
Secretary may use amounts available in the special account of a Federal
land management agency to supplement administration and marketing costs
associated with--
(1) the National
Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass during the 5-year period
beginning on the date the joint guidelines are issued under section
5(a)(7); and
(2) a regional
multientity pass authorized section 5(d) during the 5-year period
beginning on the date the regional multientity pass agreement for that
recreation pass takes effect.
SEC. 809. REPORTS.
Not later than May 1,
2006, and every 3 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report detailing the status of the recreation fee program
conducted for Federal recreational lands and waters, including an
evaluation of the recreation fee program, examples of projects that
were funded using such fees, and future projects and programs for
funding with fees, and containing any recommendations for changes in
the overall fee system.
SEC. 810. SUNSET PROVISION.
The authority of the Secretary to carry out this Act shall terminate 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 811. VOLUNTEERS.
(a) Authority to Use
Volunteers- The Secretary may use volunteers, as appropriate, to
collect recreation fees and sell recreation passes.
(b) Waiver or Discount of
Fees; Site-Specific Agency Pass- In exchange for volunteer services,
the Secretary may waive or discount an entrance fee, standard amenity
recreation fee, or an expanded amenity recreation fee that would
otherwise apply to the volunteer or issue to the volunteer a
site-specific agency pass authorized under section 5(c).
(c) National Parks and
Federal Recreational Lands Pass- In accordance with the guidelines
issued under section 5(a)(7), the Secretaries may issue a National
Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass to a volunteer in exchange
for significant volunteer services performed by the volunteer.
(d) Regional Multientity
Passes- The Secretary may issue a regional multientity pass authorized
under section 5(d) to a volunteer in exchange for significant volunteer
services performed by the volunteer, if the regional multientity pass
agreement under which the regional multientity pass was established
provides for the issuance of the pass to volunteers.
SEC. 812. ENFORCEMENT AND PROTECTION OF RECEIPTS.
(a) Enforcement Authority- The Secretary concerned shall enforce payment of the recreation fees authorized by this Act.
(b) Evidence of
Nonpayment- If the display of proof of payment of a recreation fee, or
the payment of a recreation fee within a certain time period is
required, failure to display such proof as required or to pay the
recreation fee within the time period specified shall constitute
nonpayment.
(c) Joint Liability- The
registered owner and any occupant of a vehicle charged with a
nonpayment violation involving the vehicle shall be jointly liable for
penalties imposed under this section, unless the registered owner can
show that the vehicle was used without the registered owner's express
or implied permission.
(d) Limitation on
Penalties- The failure to pay a recreation fee established under this
Act shall be punishable as a Class A or Class B misdemeanor, except
that in the case of a first offense of nonpayment, the fine imposed may
not exceed $100, notwithstanding section 3571(e) of title 18, United
States Code.
SEC. 813. REPEAL OF SUPERSEDED ADMISSION AND USE FEE AUTHORITIES.
(a) Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act- Subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g),
and (i) of section 4 of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of
1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a et seq.) are repealed, except that the
Secretary may continue to issue Golden Eagle Passports, Golden Age
Passports, and Golden Access Passports under such section until the
date the notice required by section 5(a)(3) is published in the Federal
Register regarding the establishment of the National Parks and Federal
Recreational Lands Pass.
(b) Recreational Fee
Demonstration Program- Section 315 of the Department of the Interior
and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (as contained in section
101(c) of Public Law 104-134; 16 U.S.C. 460l-6a), is repealed.
(c) Admission Permits for
Refuge Units- Section 201 of the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of
1986 (16 U.S.C. 3911) is repealed.
(d) National Park
Passport, Golden Eagle Passport, Golden Age Passport, and Golden Access
Passport- Effective on the date the notice required by section 5(a)(3)
is published in the Federal Register, the following provisions of law
authorizing the establishment of a national park passport program or
the establishment and sale of a national park passport, Golden Eagle
Passport, Golden Age Passport, or Golden Access Passport are repealed:
(1) Section 502 of the National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-391; 16 U.S.C. 5982).
(2) Title VI of the National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-391; 16 U.S.C. 5991-5995).
(e) Treatment of Unobligated Funds-
(1) LAND AND WATER
CONSERVATION FUND SPECIAL ACCOUNTS- Amounts in the special accounts
established under section 4(i)(1) of the Land and Water Conservation
Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(i)(1)) for Federal land management
agencies that are unobligated on the date of the enactment of this Act
shall be transferred to the appropriate special account established
under section 7 and shall be available to the Secretary in accordance
with this Act. A special account established under section 4(i)(1) of
the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 for a Federal agency
that is not a Federal land management area, and the use of such special
account, is not affected by the repeal of section 4 of the Land and
Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 by subsection (a) of this section.
(2) NATIONAL PARKS
PASSPORT- Any funds collected under title VI of the National Parks
Omnibus Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-391; 16 U.S.C.
5991-5995) that are unobligated on the day before the publication of
the Federal Register notice required under section 5(a)(3) shall be
transferred to the special account of the National Park Service for use
in accordance with this Act. The Secretary of the Interior may use
amounts available in that special account to pay any outstanding
administration, marketing, or close-out costs associated with the
national parks passport.
(3) RECREATIONAL FEE
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM- Any funds collected in accordance with section
315 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 1996 (as contained in section 101(c) of Public Law
104-134; 16 U.S.C. 460l-6a), that are unobligated on the day before the
date of the enactment of this Act shall be transferred to the
appropriate special account and shall be available to the Secretary in
accordance with this Act.
(4) ADMISSION PERMITS
FOR REFUGE UNITS- Any funds collected in accordance with section 201 of
the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986 (16 U.S.C. 3911) that are
available as provided in subsection (c)(A) of such section and are
unobligated on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act
shall be transferred to the special account of the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service for use in accordance with this Act.
(f) Effect of
Regulations- A regulation or policy issued under a provision of law
repealed by this section shall remain in effect to the extent such a
regulation or policy is consistent with the provisions of this Act
until the Secretary issues a regulation, guideline, or policy under
this Act that supersedes the earlier regulation.
SEC. 814. RELATION TO OTHER LAWS AND FEE COLLECTION AUTHORITIES.
(a) Federal and State
Laws Unaffected- Nothing in this Act shall authorize Federal hunting or
fishing licenses or fees or charges for commercial or other activities
not related to recreation, affect any rights or authority of the States
with respect to fish and wildlife, or repeal or modify any provision of
law that permits States or political subdivisions of States to share in
the revenues from Federal lands or, except as provided in subsection
(b), any provision of law that provides that any fees or charges
collected at particular Federal areas be used for or credited to
specific purposes or special funds as authorized by that provision of
law.
(b) Relation to Revenue
Allocation Laws- Amounts collected under this Act, and the existence of
a fee management agreement with a governmental entity under section
6(a), may not be taken into account for the purposes of any of the
following laws:
(1) The sixth paragraph under the heading `FOREST SERVICE' in the Act of May 23, 1908 (16 U.S.C. 500).
(2) Section 13 of the Act of March 1, 1911 (16 U.S.C. 500; commonly known as the Weeks Act).
(3) The fourteenth paragraph under the heading `FOREST SERVICE' in the Act of March 4, 1913 (16 U.S.C. 501).
(4) Section 33 of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1012).
(5) Title II of the Act of August 8, 1937, and the Act of May 24, 1939 (43 U.S.C. 1181f et seq.).
(6) Section 6 of the Act of June 14, 1926 (43 U.S.C. 869-4).
(7) Chapter 69 of title 31, United States Code.
(8) Section 401 of the Act of June 15, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 715s; commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act).
(9) The Secure Rural
Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (Public Law
106-393; 16 U.S.C. 500 note), except that the exception made for such
Act by this subsection is unique and is not intended to be construed as
precedent for amounts collected from the use of Federal lands under any
other provision of law.
(10) Section 2 of the Boulder Canyon Project Adjustment Act (43 U.S.C. 618a).
(11) The Federal Water Project Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. 460l-12 et seq.).
(12) The first section of the Act of June 17, 1902, as amended or supplemented (43 U.S.C. 391).
(13) The Act of February 25, 1920 (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.; commonly known as the Mineral Leasing Act).
(14) Section 4(e) of the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-263; 31 U.S.C. 6901 note).
(15) Section 5(a) of the Lincoln County Land Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-298; 114 Stat. 1047).
(16) Any other provision of law relating to revenue allocation.
(c) Consideration of Other Funds Collected- Amounts collected under any other law may not be disbursed under this Act.
(d) Sole Recreation Fee
Authority- Recreation fees charged under this Act shall be in lieu of
fees charged for the same purposes under any other provision of law.
(e) Fees Charged by Third
Parties- Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, a third party
may charge a fee for providing a good or service to a visitor of a unit
or area of the Federal land management agencies in accordance with any
other applicable law or regulation.
(f) Migratory Bird
Hunting Stamp Act- Revenues from the stamp established under the Act of
March 16, 1934 (16 U.S.C. 718 et seq.; commonly known as the Migratory
Bird Hunting Stamp Act or Duck Stamp Act), shall not be covered by this
Act.
SEC. 815. LIMITATION ON USE OF FEES FOR EMPLOYEE BONUSES.
Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, fees collected under the authorities of the Act may
not be used for employee bonuses.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 21 September 2006 )
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