Enjoy free access to national parks

PUBLIC LANDS — National parks will be waiving entrance fees for eight consecutive days, April 16-24, as an incentive for families to enjoy the outdoors and national heritage.

The parks will be waiving fees for a total of 17 days in 2011, including National Park Week (April 16-24), the first day of summer (June 21), National Public Lands Day (Sept. 24) and the weekend of Veterans Day (Nov. 11-13).

Fee-free days have been offered the past two years as a cost-friendly family vacation option in the economic slump.