No Free Launch

There’s no such thing as a free launch in America’s national parks.

A budget bill passed by Congress in 1993 requires the National Park Service to charge a fee for using boat launches. The money will go to maintain the ramps.

At Lake Roosevelt, rangers will begin charging the fee Thursday at the most popular boat ramps, such as Fort Spokane. It eventually will be collected at 22 boat launches.

Cost for a permit is $40 a year ($30 in 1995, since the program is not fully implemented) or $6 per week. Boaters can pay daily at the launch, or order an annual permit by mail by writing to: National Park Service, 1008 Crest Drive, Coulee Dam, Wash.