Forest Service Proposes Recreation Fee Increases

a news release from Huron-Manistee National Forest
Although the official comment deadline has passed, the Forest Service still welcomes input.

The Huron-Manistee National Forests operates and maintains 174 developed recreation sites in the lower peninsula of Michigan. The sites include campgrounds, horse camps, group camps, river access sites, picnic sites, beaches, overlooks, interpretive sites, and trailheads. Under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA), the Forest Service may charge recreation use fees at developed sites.

In this proposal, fee increases will be applied to 66 developed recreation sites currently charging fees; new fees will be charged at 11 sites; and 69 sites will continue to have no fees charged. Concession Special Use Permit holders operate and charge fees at 28 additional sites. Proposed fee increases include: daily passes will be $5; weekly passes will be $15; annual passes will be $30; household (2) passes will be $45; standard amenity day-use sites will be $5; expanded amenity campgrounds will be either $10 or $15 depending on development level and number of amenities available; guided tours will be $10 per adult; and developed group site fees for up to 50 people will be $40.

Why is the Forest Service proposing to increase fees? Currently, Huron-Manistee National Forests fees are 40% to 70% less than private businesses. Increases will bring the Forest Service fee in line with other providers of develop recreation. The new or increased fees will be used at the sites to maintain and operate the developed recreation sites and continue services. The consequence of not increasing fees will be reduced operating seasons and services at developed recreation sites.

For additional information, visit our web site, or by request from Forest Service Supervisor’s Office in Cadillac.

Please send your comments by August 25, 2008 to Huron-Manistee National Forest, Recreation Program Manager, 1755 S. Mitchell Street, Cadillac, MI 49601. To comment on line, please email us at r9_hmnf_website@fs.fed.us with a subject line of ATTN Recreation Manager Re Fee Increase. Questions related to this topic may be directed to Carol Boll or Rose Ingram at 231-775-2421,-1-800-821-6263, or TTY 231-775-3183.

See Huron-Manistee National Forest
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