Active Military Granted Free Access to National Wildlife Refuges

Active U.S. military personnel—and their dependents—who are looking to get away this summer now have more of incentive to check out the nation's great outdoors, thanks to a new pass available through the National Wildlife Refuge system.

The free annual pass grants entry-fee free access to all 35 sites within the refuge system that charge entrance fees. The pass is valid for one full year from the month of purchase.

At pay-per-vehicle sites, the pass grants free admission to the pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. For sites that charge per person, the pass works for the owner and up to three accompanying adults (no entry fee is charged for those 15-years-old and under).

The pass also works at all sites managed by the National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service that charge entry fees and at sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Forest Service that charge service amenity fees.

Passes can be picked up at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge's Visitor Contact Station in Fremont or through any of the agencies listed above.

Active military members must present their Common Access Card and dependents a Dependent ID Card when requesting a pass.

Nearby National Wildlife Refuge sites include:

• Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge
• Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
• Farallon National Wildlife Refuge
• Marin Islands National Wildlife Refuge
• Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge
• San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge

For more information about the pass, check out the National Wildlife Refuges website.