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 the establishment of a new recreation fee area. In accordance with Forest Service Handbook 2309.13, chapter 30, the Forest Service will publish the proposed recreation fee sites, proposed recreation fees, and proposed special recreation permit in local newspapers and other local publications for public comment. At least 80 percent of the proposed recreation fees collected at the Eldorado National Forest would remain available for expenditure at the Forest to enhance the visitor experience at the proposed recreation fee sites and in connection with the special recreation use covered by the proposed special recreation permit.

A proposed expanded amenity recreation fee of $26 per night would be charged for Airport Flat Campground, Azalea Cove Campground, Camino Cove Campground, Cole Creek Camping Area, and Lone Rock Campground. A proposed expanded amenity recreation fee of $46 per night would be charged for double sites at Camino Cove Campground. In addition, a proposed expanded amenity recreation fee of $100 per night would be charged for rental of Bunker Hill Lookout Cabin.

A proposed standard amenity recreation fee of $10 per day per vehicle would be charged at Echo Summit Nordic Ski Area, Fleming Meadow, Caples Creek, Lake Margaret, Shealor Lake, and Thunder Mountain trailheads and developed recreation sites. The America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass would be honored at these standard amenity recreation fee sites. A special recreation permit and a fee of $10 per person, per night, are proposed for overnight camping in the Mokelumne Carson Pass Management Area during the first year of implementation. During years 2 through 4, the fee would remain at $10 per person, per night, with an increase to $15 per person, per night beginning in year 5.

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, proposed special recreation permits, and proposed recreation fees will be reviewed by a Resource Advisory Committee prior to a final decision and implementation. Reservations for campgrounds and cabins can be made online at www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. A Reservation fee of $8.00 per reservation will be added to the cost of the 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.