User Fees / Sweat Equity Option

Topic: Environmental Policy
While certainly affordable, there are increased costs associated with connection ecology programs and environmentally responsible visitor plans. And, in a society as wealthy as ours, there is no reason why visitors can't help cover these costs. Still, one of the real attractions associated with environmental recreation is that it is accessible to all income groups. So, we suggest that any user fee program include a component which allows visitors to substitute sweat equity for cash payments. For example, participating in an all-day trail construction and maintenance program could entitle visitors to a free one year pass.