It came as no surprise that Yellowstone National Park entrance fees will increase this summer.

Last fall, Yellowstone officials first proposed the fee changes as the National Park Service considered raising fees at many locations.

For Yellowstone, week-long park passes will rise from $25 to $30 per vehicle starting June 1, while annual passes will increase from $50 to $60.

What’s disappointing for Wyoming residents is the move to limit park passes. In the past, Yellowstone visitors could use their week-long and annual passes at Grand Teton National Park. Given the proximity of the two parks, it made sense and helped local residents save money when traveling through both Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Unfortunately, to access both parks, Wyomingites — like everyone else — must pay more beginning June 1. Visitors now have two choices: Buy a week-long joint park pass at $50 or purchase an $80 annual pass that’s good for national parks across the United States.

Because separate passes now are required, the cost is doubling from $25 to $50 for weekly visitors traveling through both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. That’s a significant increase, and one that may impact travelers’ plans through Wyoming.

While we’re disappointed with the changes, we hope Yellowstone officials have learned a lesson about how important it is to involve the public.

Without ever providing a good reason for their decision, Yellowstone administrators initially did not give residents a chance to submit comments online.

The proposed entrance fee increase — the rare proposal that affects literally every Yellowstone visitor — appeared to mark the first time since May 2006 that the Park Service did not allow people to weigh in through email or an online form.

Thankfully, Yellowstone officials responded to public criticism and started accepting online input last fall.

A look at the numbers confirms that was the right decision — and the one the public servants should have made the first time.

An overwhelming 87 percent (or 189 of the 217 submitted comments) arrived electronically.

Only 28 comments, or 13 percent, were actually put on paper.

It’s worth noting that other public organizations, such as the Wyoming Game and Fish, ask residents to respond to surveys or comment periods online because it is more efficient, saving time and money.

Technology has transformed how we communicate, and we can’t see any valid reason why a government entity wouldn’t allow online comments, especially when it’s a topic of high public interest.

We suggest that, in the future, the Park Service makes sure to give the public as many ways as possible to express opinions on its proposals.

After all, national parks and public land belong to us all.