Minor changes coming to state park fees and regulations
Comet staff report

Three fees related to the use of Indiana's state parks and reservoirs will change Jan. 1, and a clarification on the use of annual gate passes has been made.

With the turn of the year, the fee for C-class camping will increase to $9 Sunday through Wednesday and $10 Thursday to Sunday. The daily swimming rate will be $3 per person instead of $2. The price of a pool pass, good for 25 daily pool admissions, has increased from $35 to $40. These are the only state park and reservoirs fees to be increased in 2008.

A policy clarification regarding the valid use of annual entrance passes (AEPs) in 2008 has also been made. The AEP, which sells for $36 for Indiana residents, grants those riding in the user's vehicle gate admission to any state park, reservoir or forestry property that charges gate admission. The clarification for 2008 is that only one vehicle may be admitted per AEP per visit. That vehicle can be a single private, family-type, noncommercial vehicle, or a car or truck pulling an attached camper or a recreational vehicle. If one group or family brings multiple vehicles, each vehicle must present an annual pass or purchase a daily admission.

The 2008 AEP does still allow for two two-wheeled motor vehicles (motorcycle-type) arriving together with persons of the same family driving each of vehicles to enter on a single AEP.

Institutional-type vans and commercial busses or vehicles cannot use the AEP.

"The AEP is a great value that's intended to allow family and friends of our most loyal customers to get together and enjoy a great day at one of our properties without having to break the bank," Bortner said. "People who invest in these passes deserve to know exactly what they purchased and what to expect when they get to the gate. These clarifications do that."

A complete listing of fees for state parks and reservoirs is available online at www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/properties/ parkratesfees.html.

AEPs and Golden Hoosier Passes are now available at the Indiana Government Center Customer Service Center, 402 W. Washington St., Indianapolis or online at Mother Nature's Mercantile, www.innsgifts.com. They are also available at local state park and reservoir offices beginning Dec. 1.