The Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests are proposing to establish several recreation fee sites. Proposed recreation fees collected at the proposed recreation fee s...
The Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests are proposing to establish several recreation fee sites. Proposed recreation fees collected at the proposed recreation fee sites would be used for operation, maintenance, and improvement of the sites. An analysis of nearby recreation fee sites with similar amenities shows that the proposed recreation fees are reasonable and typical of similar recreation fee sites.
DATES:
If approved, the proposed recreation fees would be established no earlier than six months following the publication of this notice in the
Federal Register
.
ADDRESSES:
Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests, Attention: Recreation Fees, 4387 U.S. Route 4 East, Mendon, VT 05701.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Holly Knox, Public Services Staff Officer, (802) 747-6724,
holly.knox@usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6803(b)) requires the Forest Service to publish in the
Federal Register
a six-month advance notice before establishment of proposed recreation fee sites. In accordance with Forest Service Handbook 2309.13, Chapter 30, the Forest Service will publish the proposed recreation fee sites and proposed recreation fees in local newspapers and other local publications for public comment. At least 80 percent of the proposed recreation fees would be spent where they are collected to enhance the visitor experience at the proposed recreation fee sites.
A proposed expanded amenity recreation fee of $25 per night would be charged for Somerset Airfield Campground.
A proposed standard amenity recreation fee of $5 per day, per vehicle or $2.50 per day, per person for walk-ins, bicyclists, and motorcyclists would be charged at Grout Pond developed recreation site. Additionally, an annual pass option of $35 per vehicle would be charged at the site. The Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests Day Use Pass and the America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass would be honored at these standard amenity
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recreation fee sites. Fee revenue would be used to enhance recreation opportunities, improve customer service, and address maintenance needs.
Once public involvement is complete, the proposed recreation fee sites and proposed recreation fees will be presented to the appropriate Recreation Resource Advisory Committee for review and recommendation prior to a final decision and implementation. Reservations for campgrounds and cabins could be made online at
www.recreation.gov
or by calling (877) 444-6777. Reservations would cost $8.00 per reservation. The $8.00 reservation fee is a transaction fee charged by the
recreation.gov
reservation platform and is not a Forest Service recreation fee under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. This transaction fee is retained by the service provider to support the cost of the reservation system.
16 U.S.C. 6803(b)
www.recreation.gov