Your Dollars At Work

The Fee Demonstration Program began in 1996 when congress authorized the Department of the Interior (DOI) to standardize and initiate new or revised fees in three DOI bureaus; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service. It was created as a direct response to the federal agencies' concern about growing backlog maintenance needs. The Federal Lands and Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), which was passed in 2004, allows the National Park Service to collect and retain revenue and requires that fee revenue be used to enhance the visitor experience.

Almost 100% of fees collected at Prince William Forest Park stay where they are collected to be used for projects that benefit visitors to the park. The remaining funds are allocated for use on priority projects throughout the National Park System.

Fees at Prince William Forest Park

Entrance fees were first collected at Prince William Forest Park in 1988. Since the beginning of the Fee Demonstration Program, fees have funded a number of projects that directly benefit our visitors. Many of these projects have also utilized recycled materials and followed environmentally sensitive practices. Here are some of the most successful projects that your fees have created:

 

Footbridge being placed along the South Valley Trail in 2023

NPS Photo

Your Fees at Work

Yearly - Produce and professionally print park brochures - $2,500

Yearly - Provide custodial duties to visitor areas - $46,000

Yearly - Provide funding for staff to collect entrance fees - $122,000

2024-2025 - Future project to replace a section of the Pyrite Mine boardwalk - $18,000

2024 - The design and construction for a future project to improve accessibility features at Telegraph Picnic Walkway and Pavilion - $153,000

2023 - Replace five trail bridges in Prince William Forest Park - $98,000

2023 - Doing the necessary compliance to repair and relocate sections of North Valley Trail and South Valley Trail - $47,000

2022 - The design for a new project (starting in 2023) to install a sustainable surface for the Pine Grove Playground - $53,000

2022 - Install sustainable shakes (roofing tiles) on the dining hall in Cabin Camp 5 - $115,000

2022 - Perform turf renovation and plant grass in the common areas at Cabin Camp 3 - $227,000

2021-2022 - Repair and relocate sections of Laurel Loop and Birch Bluff Trails - $32,000

2021 - Improve parking pads at the six accessible campsites in Oak Ridge Campground - $77,000

 

New roof of the dining hall in Cabin Camp 5 in 2022

NPS Photo

Previous Uses of Recreation Fees

2020 - Paint and stain the exterior of the visitor center - $16,000

2009-2019 - Produce annual Prince William Forest Park Heritage Festival - $8,000

2019 - Rehabilite historic swinging bridge - $44,000

2019 - Repair and treat the wooden arch bridge on South Valley Trail - $9,000

2019 - Make repairs to Pine Grove and Telegraph Pavilions - $57,000

2019 - Replace roof shingles on B Loop restrooms in Oak Ridge Campground - $35,000

2018-2019 - Replace picnic tables and grills at Oak Ridge Campground and Pine Grove Picnic Area - $61,000

2018 - Remove high earthern bank at Chopawamsic Backcountry Parking Area to improve sightlines and visitor safety - $164,000

2017-2018 - Make improvements to the interior of the B Loop Restrooms in Oak Ridge Campground - $84,000

2017 - Improve the entrance station to the park - $36,000

 

Former Regional Director Terry Carlstrom (left), Former Superintendent Bob Hickman (center), and National Capital Region Director Joe Lawler pose at the waterline celebration in 2006.

NPS Photo

2016 - Remove outdated visitor center exhibit, complete minor modifications to interior - $7,500

2010 - Playground at Pine Grove Picnic Area - $54,000

2008 - Landscaping and flagpole for visitor center - $14,000

2007-2008 – Replace single pane windows with energy efficient windows while maintaining the historic look at the park headquarters building; replace the HVAC system.

2008 – Rehabilitate the Turkey Run Education Center comfort station – the restroom was completely rehabilitated including a new roof, adding on-demand energy efficient hot water to the sinks, and Solatube® daylighting technology.

2008 – Sponsored events in recognition of the 75^th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to include the 1930’s Heritage Days, hosting the Virginia state CCC Alumni, the National CCC Alumni reunion, and National Public Lands Day.

2007 – Repaired the historic Cabin Camp Four Infirmary structure. Work included removing asbestos in utility room; installing wall and floor tile in the bathroom installing new plumbing fixtures. Flooring was specifically milled to match the existing historic floor and was installed throughout the building and sealed with linseed oil. The cedar siding was replaced to match existing cedar siding that was originally installed by the OSS. The exterior of the building was stained and the interior of the building was painted.

2007 – A dock for camper use was replaced at Camp 4. This is a modern metal dock that will “float” or rise and fall with fluctuating lake water levels.

2007 – Picnic tables, grills, and lantern posts in campgrounds and picnic areas were replaced. Much of this work was accomplished by volunteers that assembled picnic tables and Boy Scout Eagle candidates that replaced grills in campsites.

2006 – The historic CCC built horse stable was repaired including a new roof, and stabilizing the back wall which was in danger of collapse thereby endangering the entire structure.

2006 - Prince William Forest Park completed a multi-year, multi-million dollar waterline project. The installation of a new waterline system was made possible by fee collected at National Parks across the country.

2004-present – Convert park-radio system; replacement of outdated radio systems with new equipment that will allow better communication within the park and between park and other agency emergency service providers. $280,091

2004 – Hazardous tree removal park-wide; trees and branches damaged in storms were removed, making the park safer for visitors. $12,000

2004-2003 – Rehabilitate Oak Ridge Campground bathrooms and camp sites; campers now have hot showers, new grills and picnic tables. $41,188

2002-2001 – Upgrade Oak Ridge Campground amphitheater and trail; permeable trail surface and recycled lumber were used to completely rehabilitate this public educational space. $21,950

2002-2001 – Construct Telegraph Pavilion; groups wishing to hold their family reunion or wedding reception now have a place to reserve. The pavilion was constructed with recycled materials and permeable surfaces. $55,600

2001 – Replace visitor center carpet; recycled materials were used to provide both an inviting space and be an example of environmental leadership. $10,000