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Representative Hernandez urges Forest Service to keep El Yunque access free as agency proposes new fees
Summary
Representative Hernandez objected to proposed new entry fees for parts of El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico; Chief Schultz said some recreation areas would see fees to raise resources for maintenance and agreed to follow up.
Representative Hernandez told the subcommittee he would "protect the people of Puerto Rico's access to El Junque" and urged the Forest Service not to impose fees on areas that are currently free.
Hernandez noted that a three‑day pass for El Portal del Yunque is free today but that the Forest Service’s proposal would create new charges (a $4 fee at La Mina Recreation Area and a $10 three‑day pass at El Portal del Yunque; annual and family pass fees were also discussed). "You are charging for something that is free," Hernandez said, and urged the agency to reconsider given Puerto Rico’s economic challenges.
Chief Schultz replied that some sites nationwide charge for access and that proposals aim to increase resources for trail maintenance and visitor services. He said the agency was not proposing reductions to the National Forest budget overall and that fee proposals were intended to increase resources available for site management.
Members asked the agency to consider equity and the practical effect on local communities; the Forest Service agreed to follow up in writing on the proposal and on how fee revenue would be used.
