Colorado national park to go fully cashless
On Monday, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park said it will transition to a fully cashless fee system effective immediately. All visitors must use mobile or electronic payments for entrance, camping and permit fees.
'Transition to electronic payment is safer, reduces transaction times, allows for reservations and prepayment and improves accountability,' said the National Park Service in a press release.
All entrance and campground fees, as well as wilderness route permits, can be purchased online.
RMNP visitorship falls, but these Colorado national parks saw an increase: data
Those wishing to camp at Black Canyon National Park have the option to pay for first-come, first-served spots. Guests can use the Scan and Pay option on the Recreation.gov mobile app by scanning the QR code at the campground spot and completing their payment. The Scan and Pay system also works in remote areas without a cell signal.
According to the National Park Service, 95% of in-person sales at the park use credit and debit.
'Cash handling costs include park rangers' time counting money, auditing collections, making bank deposits, storage of payment envelopes and files, and processing paperwork, most of which is remedied through cashless sales. The transition to cashless payments will allow the NPS to redirect cash-processing time and direct costs to other work that directly benefits park visitors,' said NPS.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is near Montrose on the Western Slope. The park is home to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America.
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