The V.I. National Park (VINP) is beginning to collect fees for the use of newly renovated facilities at Hawksnest Bay beach and at Trunk Bay.
The National Park Service (NPS) instituted fees for short-term use of certain areas and facilities within the VINP for events such as weddings an parties in January 2001, according to a VINP press release.
“This notice is to inform the public that such events have long been authorized through Special Use Permits (SUPs),” the release stated. “Federal regulations (16 USC 3a) require NPS to recover the cost of providing services associated with the use of park lands and facilities which include administration, monitoring and enforcement costs.”
SUPs are required for the use of particular areas and facilities when the group is expected to exceed 10 people, according to the release. Activities permitted include but are not limited to family picnics, birthday parties, weddings and graduation parties. Fundraising events, such as the sale of food, entrance fees or other commercial activities are not allowed. Commercial activities are permitted through concession contracts or commercial use authorizations and are subject to different fee structures.
A fee of $25 will be charged for the use of Hawksnest Pavilions, and a fee of $50 will be charged for the use of Trunk Bay Pavilions. Recovery costs will be assessed for cleaning or damage to facilities or natural resources.
The use of an NPS dock in the Red Hook area requires a SUP for a fee of $50. Vessels which exceed the length of 60 feet will not be permitted to utilize the dock area.
Applications, procedures and conditions for SUPs are available through the VINP Protection Division. Reserving pavilions will ensure sole right to an area and your event taking place without conflicts.
For more information, please contact Laurelly Richards-Anthony at 776-6201 ext. 244.
