Improving National Parks (E.O. 14314)

Summary

Raises park entry fees for foreign visitors to pay for park upkeep and makes it cheaper and easier for U.S. residents to visit.

What problem does this solve?

America's national parks have a large backlog of maintenance projects and need more funding for improvements. This order raises money for parks by increasing entrance fees for foreign tourists, using the new funds to fix infrastructure and enhance the visitor experience for Americans.

Who does this affect?

Foreign tourists
U.S. residents visiting national parks
National Park Service

What does this order do?

Increases park fees for foreign visitors

Directs the Secretary of the Interior to raise entrance and recreation pass fees for non-U.S. residents at national parks.

Gives preferential treatment to U.S. residents

Requires that American residents receive preferential treatment for any recreational access rules, such as permits or lotteries.

Revokes a diversity and inclusion policy

Cancels the 2017 Presidential Memorandum that promoted diversity and inclusion in national parks and other public lands.

Uses new fee money for park improvements

Mandates that any extra money raised from the increased fees for nonresidents must be used to improve park infrastructure and visitor access.

Improves services and affordability for Americans

Directs officials to find ways to make visiting national parks better and more affordable for United States residents.

Reviews and removes access restrictions

Orders a review of all rules related to public use of national parks, with a goal of removing any that unnecessarily limit recreation, especially rules from the previous administration.

Addresses the park maintenance backlog

Requires the Secretary of the Interior to review the maintenance backlog and use funds from the Great American Outdoors Act to fix park infrastructure.

What is the real world impact?

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Prioritizes American visitors over international tourists

Creates a two-tiered fee system by increasing entrance and pass fees for non-U.S. residents. This policy could be seen as unwelcoming and may discourage international tourism, which is a source of revenue for local economies.

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Reverses diversity and inclusion efforts

Revokes a 2017 presidential memorandum that was aimed at promoting diversity among visitors to national parks. This signals a policy shift away from actively encouraging a wider range of people to visit public lands.

When does this start?

This order becomes effective on July 3, 2025.