President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on July 3 aimed at enhancing the nation’s national parks by increasing entrance fees for foreign tourists and developing a multi-agency commission.
The strategy will involve raising entrance and recreation pass fees for foreign tourists.
Burgum is instructed to use any revenue generated by the fee increases to improve the infrastructure and “enhance [the] enjoyment” of the national parks, and to work with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to make the parks more affordable to U.S. residents.
Both Rollins and Burgum are also directed to develop a strategy to encourage international tourism to the parks and push wider use of any areas that may be underutilized.
Additionally, the interior secretary “shall review the maintenance backlog within the National Park Service and take all appropriate action to fully implement the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund established in the Great American Outdoors Act,” invest in national park infrastructure, and increase visitor capacity.
“From the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon to the tranquility of the Great Smoky Mountains, America’s national parks have provided generations of American families with unforgettable memories,” Trump’s order reads.
“It is the policy of my Administration to preserve these opportunities for American families in future generations by increasing entry fees for foreign tourists, improving affordability for United States residents, and expanding opportunities to enjoy America’s splendid national treasures.”
The order does not say how large the fee increases will be for foreign tourists, or when they will be implemented.
These would include expanding access to clean drinking water, restoring aquatic ecosystems to improve water quality and availability, and developing strategies to recover fish and wildlife populations.
The commission is also directed to promote hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, skiing, climbing, boating, off-roading, and wildlife viewing throughout federal lands.
In addition to Burgum and Rollins, the commission will include Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Stephen Miran, and other administration officials or their designees.
“Through both innovation and common-sense policies, America can preserve its natural beauty and expand outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations,” Trump’s second order reads.
“It is the policy of my Administration to prioritize responsible conservation, restore our lands and waters, and protect our Nation’s outdoor heritage for the enjoyment of the American people.”
