Implementation of the America the Beautiful the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
http://www.blm.gov

May 22, 2007

In Reply Refer To:
2930 (250) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 06/15/2007
Instruction Memorandum No. 2007-136
Expires: 09/30/2008

To: All Field Officials

From: Assistant Director, Renewable Resources & Planning

Subject: Implementation of the “America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass” Program

Program Area: Recreation and Visitor Services

Purpose: This Instruction Memorandum (IM) establishes the guidance for the “America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass” (Interagency Pass) program (which is made up of the Interagency Pass - Annual, Senior, Access, and Volunteer passes). It outlines specific documentation requirements for the Interagency Access Pass and requests the establishment of a pass distribution register to be used wherever the pass is issued.

Policy/Action: In December 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA), Public Law 108-447, which established a new Interagency Pass program. Under this program the new Interagency Pass program replaces the Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports, and the National Parks Pass. The REA also authorizes the Secretaries of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) to issue Interagency Annual, Senior, Access, and Volunteer passes. The new Interagency Pass provides the public with access to Federal recreation sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees are charged.

The Interagency Pass Field Working Group developed Standard Operating Procedures (http://www.nps.gov/training/tel/Guides/NPFRL_pg_20061102.pdf) for the Interagency Pass program. These Standard Operating Procedures provide the governing guidelines of the program. Employees involved with the Interagency Pass program should be familiar with the Standard Operating Procedures. Attachment 1 provides details on how the Bureau of Land Management will administer the Interagency Pass program, including appropriate accounting procedures. Attachment 2 is the affidavit and notice to be signed if a person desires to acquire the Interagency Access Pass and claims eligibility, but can not or refuses to produce the necessary form of documentation. By signing this form, they affirm that they are eligible to receive the Interagency Access Pass under penalty of law.

Time Frame: Effective immediately.

Background: The REA established the “America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass” program. The BLM is a partner with other DOI agencies and the USDA Forest Service in the Interagency Pass program. The BLM issues, sells, and accepts the subject passes, as applicable, at various BLM recreation areas.

Budget Impact: This IM establishes guidance for the Interagency Pass program and it will not appreciably impact the budget.

Manual/Handbook Sections Affected: None.

Coordination: This IM has been coordinated through the Interagency Pass Team.

Contact: Anthony Bobo, Jr., Fee Program Manager, Division of Recreation and Visitor Services (WO-250) at 202-452-0333.

Signed by:
Authenticated by:
Bud Cribley
Robert M. Williams
Acting, Assistant Director
Division of IRM Governance
Renewable Resources and Planning

2 Attachments
1 - America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Pass, BLM General Program Description and Requirements (8 pp)
2 – Statement of Permanent Disability (1 p)