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New fees proposed for Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center vicinity
JUNEAU, Alaska–The Juneau Ranger District is seeking input from the public on proposed fee changes at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center (MGVC). In light of declining
budgets, and in an effort to enhance the Mendenhall experience for all visitors, the Forest Service plans to increase the “amenity fee” and expand the fee collection area.
“Our intent is to provide better services and facilities in and around the visitor center,” said Juneau District Ranger Brad Orr.
About 90 percent of the amenity fees collected at the visitor center support the maintenance, operations and programs at the site. The fee increase would begin May 1, 2016.
The Forest Service currently charges a nominal $3 fee to persons 16 or older who enter the visitor center building. A $10 seasonal pass is also available, which allows the pass
holder and one guest into the visitor center. The proposed fee increase would raise the daily fee to $5 and the seasonal pass to $15 ($10 if purchased after July 15). People under 16 years of age would continue to be free, and the Forest Service will continue
honoring all national interagency visitor passes.
The Forest Service will also continue the practice of not charging fees during the winter. Local-area residents and others who enjoy visiting Mendenhall will not have to pay any
fees during the off-season, from October 1 to April 30.
“We realize many residents enjoy Mendenhall during the winter so this affords them an opportunity to keep coming here without any cost during those seven months when it is less
crowded,” said Orr. “We are maintaining the free winter policy because we are confident, at this point, that charging fees only during the highest visitation summer months will give us the funds necessary to ensure Mendenhall remains a world-class destination.”
In addition to the proposed fee increase for the visitor center building, the Forest Service is also planning to expand the site where the fee will be charged to encompass the
bus shelters, Steep Creek Trail and platforms, Viewing Pavilion near the parking area, Photo Point Trail, and all restroom facilities.
The Mendenhall Visitor Center opened its doors in 1962 and
began collecting fees through the Fee Demo Program in 1999 to help offset the costs of maintenance and operations. The current proposal for 2016 would be the first fee increase in 17
years. While visitation numbers have more than doubled from 200,000 people in 1999 to more than 450,000 visitors during the summer season, funding has not kept pace.
“We need improved facilities and experienced staff outside of the visitor center building to handle bus traffic and road crossings, reduce the potential for human-bear conflict,
improve the flow of pedestrian traffic on better trails, increase the enjoyment of visitors through interpretive programs, assist with first-aid and emergency needs,” said John Neary, visitor center director.
Unlike most recreation sites across the Tongass National Forest, most visitors will experience the Mendenhall Glacier by using commercial tour operators.
All commercial tour operators are required to hold a permit with the Forest Service for any tours to the forest, including Mendenhall. The Forest Service is working with tour operators to ensure their customers benefit from better
facilities and services.
For example, a Master Plan design charrette next fall will address solutions to the congestion that often diminishes quality of experiences, said Neary. Improvements to traffic
flow, trails, viewing platforms, covered viewing areas and food venues will be considered.
“We are also seeking public and private partnerships to help improve the entire Mendenhall experience for everyone,” said Neary. “This will require a sustainable flow of visitors
who all contribute reasonable fees to support operations, and our proposed $5 fee would be less than what is charged at comparable tourist destination sites in Juneau.”
“While some Juneau residents may feel they don’t need interpretation,” said Neary, “I am sure they will understand the value of improved trails and reduced congestion. We believe
there is something here for everyone and we welcome everyone to come help us plan for the next several decades of operations.”
A public meeting to discuss this proposal will be held at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 13, 2015. For more information, call John Neary at 907-789-6637.
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