Forest Service proposing fee hikes to rec sites
The U.S. Forest Service is proposing to change fees at several campgrounds, one group campground, and proposing a new cabin rental. Well over 90% of recreation sites on the forest are managed without user fees.
The public is invited to comment on the proposed fee changes to the developed recreation program on-line, in person or by mailing a comment card to the Supervisor’s Office in Duluth. The comment period is set to end by close of business on Sept. 12.
“We recognize how important these sites are to our local communities and those who use the sites. These fee increases will help us maintain the sites to the level and quality people have come to expect in addition to making the fees more consistent throughout the Forest,” said Tim Engrav, acting recreation manager for the Superior National Forest.
In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA), which allows the Forest Service to retain funds collected at certain recreation sites and use these funds locally to operate, maintain, and improve the sites.
At least 80 percent of the revenue from recreation fees remains on the forests to operate, maintain, and improve facilities.
Raising the revenue collected through recreation fees would help the forests improve infrastructure within the campgrounds and maintain a steady level of staffing during the season of operation.
The resources derived through the fee collection helps provide quality recreation opportunities that meet the modern expectations of visitors and creates a more financially sustainable developed recreation program to benefit future generations.
Under REA, any fee changes must be proposed and approved by a citizen’s advisory committee. Committee members represent a broad array of recreation interest groups to help ensure that the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable new fees and fee changes.
The public is invited to comment on the proposed fee changes to the developed recreation program. To ensure comments are considered, send comments by Sept. 12 to:
Mail: Superior National Forest, Attention: Tim Engrav, 8901 Grand Avenue Place, Duluth, MN 55808 or SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov with Subject: Rec Fees
In person: Oral comments must be provided in person at the Superior National Forest during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) or by calling 218-626-4300 and indicating you would like to provide comments on the ‘proposed recreation fee changes’.
On-line: Comments can also be provided online at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r9feeproposals
For more information on the proposed project, visit the website www.fs.usda.gov/superior
