We don't have any plans at the moment to visit any National Parks, but I think I'll take advantage of this before it disappears.

https://www.npr.org/2020/11/09...es-to-national-parks
Updated on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 9:53 p.m. ET

As coronavirus cases again surge across the country, the outdoors remains a rare and safe refuge for Americans, particularly for those struggling with anxiety or depression due to the pandemic.

On Wednesday, those hoping to reap the benefits of fresh air and the unseasonably warm weather in much of the country can explore national parks and forests for free in honor of Veterans Day.

And the Department of Veterans Affairs announced U.S. military veterans and gold star families will be granted a lifetime of free access to national parks, wildlife refuges and other federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior.

"With the utmost respect and gratitude, we are granting Veterans and Gold Star Families free access to the iconic and treasured lands they fought to protect starting this Veterans Day and every single day thereafter," said Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt.

The access passes, called America the Beautiful, currently cost $80 per year and grant entry to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites spread out across more than 400 million acres of public lands, including Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Arches and Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

To get the free pass, veterans must provide some form of identification showing they were in the armed forces or the U.S. National Guard and Reserves. Gold star families are those who have lost a family member who was serving in a war or a military operation outside of the U.S. or in an international terrorist attack.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages people to visit parks and camps: "Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy."

The agency advises adventurers to follow general COVID-19 prevention guidelines, including avoiding crowded parks and campgrounds, practicing social distancing, wearing a mask and washing hands often. The CDC also recommends visiting parks and recreation areas that are close to home.

That..........is pretty damn cool!!

Very cool, thanks for sharing.

Outstanding. I'm happy to see more and more benefits for us Veterans.

Thanks, sent this to my son. I already have the seniors $10 lifetime pass.

Guess I missed it while reading but don't see where veterans can sign up for this. Anybody have a link?

Here is the Government announcement. https://www.doi.gov/pressrelea...rans-free-entrance-0

quote:

Originally posted by molachi:
Guess I missed it while reading but don't see where veterans can sign up for this. Anybody have a link?

It doesn't look like veterans need to sign up. The National Park Service website has more info, including the excerpt below. Here is the link: National Park Service Veteran Free Access


In national parks that charge an entrance fee, a veteran will need to present one of the following forms of identification where entrance fees are collected:

Department of Defense Identification Card (CAC Card)

Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Veteran ID Card

Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or identification card

Gold Star families can download a voucher before their visit from the NPS website.

quote:

Originally posted by cgode:
That..........is pretty damn cool!!

It might be my 83 year old memory, but I seem to recall (many years ago) that we were given free entry to Yellowstone park, as well as others, based on my veteran status. In any event, this is a good thing!

quote:

Originally posted by Elk Hunter:
It might be my 83 year old memory, but I seem to recall (many years ago) that we were given free entry to Yellowstone park, as well as others, based on my veteran status. In any event, this is a good thing!

This veteran's program is new to me, but currently serving military members (active and reserve) have had the option to apply for a free annual pass for a while.

quote:

Originally posted by bobandmikako:

quote:

Originally posted by molachi:
Guess I missed it while reading but don't see where veterans can sign up for this. Anybody have a link?

It doesn't look like veterans need to sign up. The National Park Service website has more info, including the excerpt below. Here is the link: National Park Service Veteran Free Access


In national parks that charge an entrance fee, a veteran will need to present one of the following forms of identification where entrance fees are collected:

Department of Defense Identification Card (CAC Card)

Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Veteran ID Card

Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or identification card

Gold Star families can download a voucher before their visit from the NPS website.

Thank you

To clarify this a bit, I picked up my pass last weekend. I had read and re-read the info/qualifications on the website to make sure I had everything correct, but maybe I missed some fine print. I’m a regular Joe, 4 year AF vet and they gave me an ANNUAL pass good for me and up to 3 people in my party. Disabled vets are granted the lifetime pass (as they should be). It’s still a great deal for me and I asked them could I renew next year, they said they didn’t see the program going away but couldn’t confirm for sure that it would remain.

Excellent. Thank you for the heads up.

This is cool. Another thing I can take the family on. Never been to a national park.

quote:

Originally posted by Edmond:
This is cool. Another thing I can take the family on. Never been to a national park.

Well, get with it! There are a great many, scattered all over the country, and all are worth a visit. There should be some not far from your home.

flashguy

This reservist doesn't have an ID card, but I do have a 8 1/2" x 11" discharge. Do I carry that around?

And what about family members who might not have an ID card? Or am I missing something?

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
This reservist doesn't have an ID card, but I do have a 8 1/2" x 11" discharge. Do I carry that around?

And what about family members who might not have an ID card? Or am I missing something?

I had the same problem ref: the ID, when I got out all I had was a DD-214. Thankfully a year or so ago the state of Florida allowed the option of including a Veteran designation on our driver’s license so that’s what I did, and it was free. That has really come in handy several times already when vet status has to be proven. See if you state allows that as well. Good luck.

quote:

Originally posted by stkfox:


I had the same problem ref: the ID, when I got out all I had was a DD-214. Thankfully a year or so ago the state of Florida allowed the option of including a Veteran designation on our driver’s license so that’s what I did, and it was free. That has really come in handy several times already when vet status has to be proven. See if you state allows that as well. Good luck.

This what I am going to do, never cared if my DL had it but those parks can get pricey. Sounds like it could be handy in other situations too.

Thanks, stkfox, I'll look into it!

For anyone interested, Colorado also will indicate veteran status on drivers licenses.