There is a kernel of a good idea in the U.S. Interior Department’s announced plan to charge visitors from other nations more than it charges American residents to enter our national parks.

Too bad that idea is embedded in layers of xenophobia and bad economics.

The plan threatens to dent both park admission revenues and income for the many communities and businesses that make their living off of park visitors. Utah’s elected leaders, particularly our members of Congress, should keep careful watch on how these changes shake out.

Under new rules announced recently , annual passes to U.S. national parks will rise sharply for international visitors come the first of the year. What will cost a U.S. resident $80 will set a German, Canadian, Japanese or Brazilian tourist back $250.

And at

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