RVAG.ORG

The new Government Recreation Website has finally launched at Recreation.gov It seems like a forward step to finding lots of information in one place. My early complaints: When you find a location on the map, you click on it for more information, and then go "back", it takes you to another place and you have to search again to find where you were. Also, even when searching by date, the calendar function brings up campgrounds that aren't open for the season yet. So it's hard to find exactly what is available right now in the spring.

And keep in mind that they don't list private parks so it doesn't provide all the options in an area.

I've been a National Park Pass holder since 2000. It was an added value card at $50 for anyone who goes to a national park more than a few times a year. In the case of major parks, like the Grand Canyon where admission is $25, it only took a couple of uses to pay for itself.

Now there is the Annual Pass with a new price tag of $80. The new Annual Pass covers Entrance Fees or Standard Amenity Fees at sites managed by USDA FS, NPS, USFWS, BLM and Reclamation. So they did add some perks for the $30 increase but overall, I'm not sure it's a good deal for the average person like it was before. If you are a serious camper or Rv'er, it probably still makes sense. I think they would be better to have more options at a lower price tag however. Most newcomers to the idea of passes will balk at $80.

If you are 62 or older or receive disability benefits, you may be eligible for the Senior or Access pass.

A reminder that Earth Day 2007 is this Sunday April 22. Plant a tree, stay at green hotels, recycle, buy organic foods.... The list goes on as to what you can do on that day and every day of our lives. Live green.

Earthday Network
Earth Day US Gov (an oxymoron with current administration)
Earth Day Wikipedia
Earth Day International