As reported previously on Inclined, the American Alpine Club, the Access Fund, and the AmericanMountain Guides Association (AMGA) have been working with Denali and Mt. Rainier National Parks on their proposed mountaineering fee increases. The Club considers the small increases at Rainier to be a win for our and other organizations’ advocacy efforts. “Park management has been very receptive to public comments,” said AAC Executive Director Phil Powers. “They have been crystal-clear in explaining the necessity of an increase—and how the money will be spent. The Club is also pleased that the relevant groups were able to settle upon an increase at the lowest end of the range.”

The Denali fee increase proposal, on the other hand, still requires substantial fine-tuning to gain the Club’s endorsement.