The new state budget increases fees charged by state agencies for various programs and services effective October 1, 2009. 

 

These increases apply to many of the fees charged by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for outdoor recreational activities as well as for licenses and permits necessary for environmental protection.  While there are some exceptions, in general the new budget requires DEP to increase fees in the following manner:

Following is a brief look at how fees charged by DEP will change as a result of these requirements.  Please note that information concerning fees on the agency’s web site, and on various forms and applications, is currently being updated and may not yet reflect the new fee structure.  DEP will also update information on fees if actions of the General Assembly result in any additional changes.

 

 

Generally speaking, fees for recreational activities will double.  This includes state park fees for parking, reserving a campsite, rental of facilities and admission to state park museums; fees for boating certificates; and the cost of hunting and fishing licenses. 

 

Sportsmen licenses and permits are sold through authorized agents or on-line.  Campground reservations for all state campgrounds are available on-line at Reserve America.  Other recreational fees are collected at the point of entry or through existing program offices.  On and after October 1, 2009 all of these systems will reflect the new fee for sportsmen licenses and recreational fees.

 

For further information concerning fees for recreational activities and sportsmen licenses, please contact:

 

There are permit, license, application, registration and annual fees associated with many activities the DEP regulates to assure environmental protection.  These fees vary depending on the nature of the activity, the degree of review and oversight necessary.  Many of these fees have been increased by the budget based on the formula described above, although others have not.  All application materials will be updated to reflect the new fees.  In addition, some professional and occupational licenses have been affected by the fee increase. 

 

Questions related to specific permit or licensing programs should be directed to those programs.

 

For further information concerning the DEP fee structure for permitting, licensing and annual registration and compliance fees, please contact the Permit Assistance Office at 860-424-3003.