The head of the Virgin Islands National Park told participants at a packed public meeting Wednesday evening that proposed fee increases may be imposed gradually instead of all at once. Superintendent Penny Del Bene, ringed by a team of park officials, said anticipated revenues from amenity fee hikes are needed for operations, maintenance and future program goals.
Del Bene said that after reviewing spoken and written public comments, perhaps a phased-in approach would be more acceptable. Controversy over proposed fee hikes at the Virgin Islands National Park was spoken aloud Wednesday at the second of two public meetings on the issue.
About 80 participants filled seats inside and outside of the conference room at the Resource Management and Science Building on St. John. A large outdoor screen allowed those seated outside to view the presentations.
The crowd listened attentively to a presentation lasting roughly 30 minutes, then offered questions and comments. One attendee gave full voice to the sticker shock many expressed, saying the park had already raised fees by 25 percent between 2023 and 2024. “And now, you’re looking for a 100 percent increase,” said audience member Jared Buckstein.
Fees for a wide range of facilities used by visitors and businesses operating within park boundaries have been published by the park since early September. Those changes were expected to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
But now, Del Bene said, some changes may be in order. “We’re looking at a phased implementation, so here is the proposed fee; rather than it coming on board Jan. 1 we’re looking at reducing it and phasing it (in) over time,” the superintendent said.
How the new fee rollout would ultimately look, she said, is unclear at this time.
Charter boat captain Dulcey Rood said more work is needed to make sure higher fees are shared among all users of park facilities. Those charter operators at the meeting were based on St. John, she said, and they seemed to be the ones expected to pay while charters from St. Thomas and the BVI come in, use facilities and leave without paying.
Chief Ranger Ludric Smith said he agreed; some boaters were getting away without paying fees, and that, he said, was because more enforcement is needed.
“We’re having these meetings for a reason, so you guys can understand the system,” the chief said.
As of Wednesday night, 192 public comments had been submitted, Del Bene said. She publicly thanked all of those who provided input. The deadline for submitting written comments on the proposed fee hikes ends at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Please submit comments to viis_interpretation@nps.gov.
