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Proposed Fee Changes for Boca Chita and Elliott Keys in Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park » Proposed Fee Changes for Boca Chita and Elliott Keys in Biscayne National Park » Document List
Biscayne National Park is proposing changes to the amenity fees on Boca Chita and Elliott Keys. One such change is the implementation of a docking fee at Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key, and the other is a flat camping fee. These fees would be utilized to enhance visitor services and better address common issues, such as trash pick-up and disposal, dock repairs, resource damage, and facilities repair and maintenance. If enacted, the proposed fee changes would take effect in January 2024 and would appear on www.recreation.gov as the published rates. Biscayne National Park has no other fees for entrance or amenities.
Eighty percent of campground fee revenue stays at the park to fund projects related to visitor experience including the repair, maintenance, and enhancement of campground facilities. As authorized by FLREA (16 U.S.C. 6801-6814; P.L. 108-447, Division J, Title VIII), expanded amenity fees, formerly known as use fees, are assessed when the visitor uses a specific or specialized facility, equipment, or service.
Under the park's proposal, visitors would see a $45 docking fee implemented at both Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key harbors which would take effect January 1, 2024. The National Park Service is seeking public comments on this proposed fee. The second change is the elimination of the "camping only" fee (camping on the island without docking a boat), leaving a flat fee of $35, which is the current fee for docking and camping on the islands. Holders of the America the Beautiful Access and Senior Lifetime passes would continue to receive fifty percent off these fees.
Boca Chita and Elliott Key offer unique national park camping experiences in that the campgrounds are only accessible by boat. While both locations feature beautiful waterfront views, a grassy camping area, docks, restrooms, picnic tables and grills, the uniqueness also means that there are additional challenges with management and maintenance of these remote locations. The park uses the revenue from camping fees to fund projects which benefit the visitor's experience. We have utilized the funding for campsite signage, picnic tables, grills, and updates to comfort stations.
Recreational opportunities like these at Biscayne National Park contributed to boosting the local economy with visitors spending $50.9 million on hotels, gas, and restaurants in 2022. These expenditures supported a total of 659 jobs, $25.8 million in labor income, $43.6 million in value added, and $74.1 million in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Biscayne National Park.
Park staff would very much like to receive public feedback about this proposed increase. Here a list of ways that individuals can provide feedback on this topic:
• Send a letter with your comments to:
Biscayne National Park
Superintendent
9700 SW 328th Street
Homestead, FL 33033
• Post a comment on the National Park Service Planning, Environment, & Public Comment website- https://parkplanning.nps.gov/BISCNPIslandAmenities
305-230-7275
Eighty percent of campground fee revenue stays at the park to fund projects related to visitor experience including the repair, maintenance, and enhancement of campground facilities. As authorized by FLREA (16 U.S.C. 6801-6814; P.L. 108-447, Division J, Title VIII), expanded amenity fees, formerly known as use fees, are assessed when the visitor uses a specific or specialized facility, equipment, or service.
Under the park's proposal, visitors would see a $45 docking fee implemented at both Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key harbors which would take effect January 1, 2024. The National Park Service is seeking public comments on this proposed fee. The second change is the elimination of the "camping only" fee (camping on the island without docking a boat), leaving a flat fee of $35, which is the current fee for docking and camping on the islands. Holders of the America the Beautiful Access and Senior Lifetime passes would continue to receive fifty percent off these fees.
Boca Chita and Elliott Key offer unique national park camping experiences in that the campgrounds are only accessible by boat. While both locations feature beautiful waterfront views, a grassy camping area, docks, restrooms, picnic tables and grills, the uniqueness also means that there are additional challenges with management and maintenance of these remote locations. The park uses the revenue from camping fees to fund projects which benefit the visitor's experience. We have utilized the funding for campsite signage, picnic tables, grills, and updates to comfort stations.
Recreational opportunities like these at Biscayne National Park contributed to boosting the local economy with visitors spending $50.9 million on hotels, gas, and restaurants in 2022. These expenditures supported a total of 659 jobs, $25.8 million in labor income, $43.6 million in value added, and $74.1 million in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Biscayne National Park.
Park staff would very much like to receive public feedback about this proposed increase. Here a list of ways that individuals can provide feedback on this topic:
• Send a letter with your comments to:
Biscayne National Park
Superintendent
9700 SW 328th Street
Homestead, FL 33033
• Post a comment on the National Park Service Planning, Environment, & Public Comment website- https://parkplanning.nps.gov/BISCNPIslandAmenities
Contact Information
Biscayne National Park Superintendent305-230-7275