Notice of Proposed New Special Recreation Permit Fee

The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is proposing to implement a Special Recreation Permit Fee on the Wild and Scenic Snake River which flows between Oregon and Idaho. Implementing a Special Recreation Permit Fee would allow the Forest Service to manage the specialized recreation use associated with float and power boating on the Wild and Scenic Snake River, and result in improved services and experiences. Fees are assessed based on the level of amenities and services provided, cost of operation and maintenance of river-related facilities, market assessment, and public comments received. Boaters using the Wild and Scenic Snake River would be subject to a Special Recreation Permit Fee (boater-use permit fee) of $5.00 to $10.00 per person that would be collected from all private and commercial boaters and their occupants. The implementation of the fee on the Wild and Scenic Snake River is comparable to other federal day- use fees within the current Four Rivers reservation system for the Selway, Middle Fork Salmon, Main Salmon and other sections of the Snake Rivers. The area subject to the fee is the Snake River beginning at Hells Canyon Dam to Cache Creek Ranch (approximately 70 miles). The exceptions to this boater-use permit fee are:   Travel by private, noncommercial boat to any land in which the person has property rights.   Any person who has right of access for hunting or fishing privileges under specific provisions of treaty or law.   Individual outfitter/guides and their associated employees, while acting in an official capacity under the terms of their permit. At this time there is no boater-use permit fee on the Wild and Scenic Snake River for float or power boats. Boater-use for private float and power boats is currently managed though a national reservation system, which limits the amount of boats during the primary use season to meet management plan direction. A $6.00 transaction cost is associated with this reservation permit and is completely retained by the reservation contractor. In the future the reservation permit fee will be continued in conjunction with the application of this proposed boater-use permit fee for private boaters. At this time the listed boater-use permit fee is only a proposal and further analysis and public comment will occur before a decision is made. Funds from the proposed fee would be used for administrative and operational needs in the recreation area to enhance user experience and safety, sustain natural and cultural resources, and facility maintenance and improvements.