June 19, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid announced today that two of Nevada’s national park units, Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Death Valley National Park, will be participating in three nationwide “fee-free” weekends taking place this summer.
 
“This is a great opportunity for families to visit our national parks at no cost,” Reid said. “During these tough economic times, we want to give Nevadans an opportunity to enjoy our natural and historic treasures without straining their budgets.”
 
There are 147 National Parks Service sites that normally charge entrance fees participating in this summer program. The parks will waive admission fees on these weekends: June 20-21, July 18-19, and August 15-16.  
 
The fee-free weekend waiver includes park entrance fees, transportation fees, and commercial tour fees.
 
Nevada’s Great Basin National Park, which Senator Reid created in 1986, is open to the public at no cost year-round. For more information on the fee-free weekends, visit the National Park Service Web site at www.nps.gov <http://www.nps.gov> .