db wrote on Oct 20^th, 2010 at 7:19am:

I've never understood the animosity I hear about pricing. The southern entries have to cost more to staff and supply.... I certainly don't expect the Canadian people to subsidize my trips.

I agree with the sentiment, as animosity of higher fees does not solve anything.  I subscribe to Wally's thoughts, and haven't gone to the Quet. since '07.  For me, I can have a 10 day trip much cheaper, and all is good.  It's a de-facto voting with my dollars.

I don't have any hard figures, but from past discussions I've had with Rangers at Prairie Portage, cost of operations did not appear to be any factor in increasing fees.  Rather, the desire to shift usage to other entries/areas was the primary reason cited.