The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests are proposing to establish two special recreation permits. Proposed recreation fees collected at the proposed recreati...
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests are proposing to establish two special recreation permits. Proposed recreation fees collected at the proposed recreation fee sites and for the proposed special recreation permit would be used for operation, maintenance, and improvement of the sites and the special recreation use covered by the proposed special recreation permit. An analysis of nearby recreation fee sites and special recreation uses with similar amenities shows that the proposed recreation fees are reasonable and typical of similar recreation fee sites and special recreation uses in the area.
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:
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, Attention: Recreation Fees, 2505 S Townsend Ave., Montrose, CO 81401.
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 special recreation permits. In accordance with Forest Service Handbook 2309.13, Chapter 30, the Forest Service will publish the proposed special recreation permit 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 in connection with the special recreation use covered by the proposed special recreation permit.
A proposed noncommercial special recreation permit fee of $5 per person per day would be charged for the Blue Lakes—Mt Sneffels Wilderness Day Use Hike/Ticket. A proposed special recreation permit fee of $25 per site per night would be charged for the Blue Lakes—Mt Sneffels Wilderness Overnight Camping Permit.
Fee revenue would be used to enhance recreation opportunities, improve customer service, and address maintenance needs.
Once public involvement is complete, the proposed special recreation permits and associated fees will be presented to the appropriate Citizens Advisory Committee for review and recommendation prior to a final decision and implementation. Reservations for the special recreation permit sites will be made online at
www.recreation.gov
or by calling (877) 444-6777. Reservations would cost $1.00 per reservation for the day use hike permit and $6.00 per reservation for the wilderness overnight camping permit. The $1.00 and $6.00 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