White Mountain National Forest Parking Passes rant

[NHpowderhound]

I had to renew my parking pass on friday, spurring old feelings of anger. Now $20($25 for 2) for a years parking in the National forest may not seem like a big deal to some. But IMO makes some people,mostly families on a budget to cancel thier trips. Now the last time I checked my paystub, a pretty freakin large amount of money was taken from me and it's called "Federal Tax". Now the same government which just took my money tells me I have to pay extra to park in a lot in a "National Forest" which is set aside for ALL people to enjoy. I guess All means you can park 15 miles away and hike here if you dont buy the "pass".
I never liked this program. I'm not convinced the money collected has gone back into the National Forest program. I havent seen one improvement related to this program as a result of money collected.
One of the areas that needs parking improved would be Pinkham. But instead a non profit organization( http://www.friendsoftuckerman.org/ ) has had to take the initiative in that problem. Why hasn't the state or federal government stepped up to the plate to fix this issue when they continue to take our money for that exact purpose?
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*))NHPH

 

[riverc0il]

is there a yearly publication stating how the funds were spent? it would be interesting to see how the monies collected from the parking pass system are actually incorporated into upkeep of the WMNF.

personally i have nothing against the parking pass system. $20 a year is a drop in the bucket for most people considering that's what it costs to park in boston most any where for one day whereas it buys you a full year of any time parking in the WMNF. not saying free wouldn't be better, but averaged out over the course of many trips, it is by far the least expensive thing involved with a hiking or skiing trip from a WMNF trailhead. considering the plowing that has to be done in the winter, seems like a small fee. i don't think you need a parking pass to park at pinkham, do you?

 

[NHpowderhound]

Yes. You absolutely need one for Pinkham and the Pinkham overflow lots on the side of the highway. Unless you park in one of the two 15 minute parking sections that is.
My point is simply,I already paid for that.
I too agree $20 is no big deal for most. But lets say a family is visiting from New Jersey and they decide they want to take the 15 minute walk up to Crystal Cascade. Should they be forced to pay $5 for a weeks pass just because they want to see a natural feature in the National Forest thats 1/4 miles from the road?
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*))NHPH