National Parks May Impose Surcharge on some in 2026: Budget Proposal

National Park Service struggles with staff shortages and possible budget cuts

As many parks enter their busiest season, the National Park Service struggles with staff shortages and potential budget cuts. NPR's A Martinez went to Joshua Tree to speak to those feeling the impact.

National parks may impose surcharge on some in 2026: budget proposal

(NEXSTAR) — After the busiest year on record, and an already busy start to the year for at least one park, the National Park Service budget could be reduced by more than $1 billion next year. A new surcharge imposed on some visitors may, however, help bring in more than $90 million, according to the Department of the Interior’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2026.  “I think we’re way undercharging, as a nation, for international visitors,” Secr…

National Park Service could impose surcharge on some national park visitors in 2026: budget proposal

(NEXSTAR) — After the busiest year on record, and an already busy start to the year for at least one park, the National Park Service budget could be reduced by more than $1 billion next year. A new surcharge imposed on some visitors may, however, help bring in more than $90 million, according to the Department of the Interior’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2026.  “I think we’re way undercharging, as a nation, for international visitors,” Secr…

NPS could impose surcharge on some national park visitors in 2026: budget proposal

(NEXSTAR) — After the busiest year on record, and an already busy start to the year for at least one park, the National Park Service budget could be reduced by more than $1 billion next year. A new surcharge imposed on some visitors may, however, help bring in more than $90 million, according to the Department of the Interior’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2026.  “I think we’re way undercharging, as a nation, for international visitors,” Secr…