Puerto Rico Forest Charges Up Recreation Passes
Published Date: 9/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The El Yunque National Forest is proposing to establish several recreation pass options and a special recreation permit. Proposed recreation fees collected for the proposed recreation passes and for the proposed special recreation permit would be used for operation, maintenance, and improvement of the sites and the special recreation use covered by the proposed special recreation permit. An analysis of nearby recreation fee sites and special recreation uses with similar amenities shows that the proposed recreation fees are reasonable and typical of similar recreation fee sites and special recreation uses in the area.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
El Portal 3‑Day Visitor Fee
If you visit El Portal Visitor Center in El Yunque National Forest (Puerto Rico), you would pay a proposed standard amenity fee of $10 per person for a 3-day pass. If approved, this fee could be established no earlier than 2027-03-08.
El Portal Rainforest Center Annual Passes
If you use the El Portal Del Yunque Rainforest Center in El Yunque National Forest (Puerto Rico), proposed fees include a $20 per person annual pass and a $30 per group family annual pass. These fees could be implemented no earlier than 2027-03-08 if approved.
La Mina Special Recreation Permit Fees
For La Mina Recreation Area (El Yunque, Puerto Rico) a proposed special recreation permit would charge $4 per person per day, $10 per person for a 3-day pass, $20 per person annual pass, or a $30 family annual pass. If approved, these fees could take effect no earlier than 2027-03-08.
America the Beautiful Pass Coverage Limits
If you hold the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, it would be accepted to cover the standard amenity recreation fee sites at El Yunque, but it would NOT cover the La Mina special recreation permit fee — you would still owe the La Mina permit fee. This policy would apply if implemented no earlier than 2027-03-08.
Fee Revenue Spent Locally (80% Rule)
At least 80% of the proposed recreation fees collected at these sites would be spent where collected to improve visitor experience, operations, maintenance, and customer service at the sites in El Yunque National Forest (Puerto Rico).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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