Federal Register #2026-21248

Forest Service proposes recreation fees at multiple national forest sites

The USDA Forest Service is considering recreation fees at sites across several national forests, rather than soliciting products or contracted services. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service; notices cover the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, National Forests in North Carolina, and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. An Eldorado National Forest notice begins in the source, but its proposed fees are not provided. - Proposed recreation fees: - At Rocky Bluff Picnic Area and the Poplar Boat Launch group picnic sites in North Carolina, the proposed expanded amenity fee is $50 per day. - At Black Jack, Blue Crossing, Coal Creek, Granville, Hannagan, KP Cienega, Lower Juan Miller, Scott Reservoir, and Upper Blue Campgrounds, and Gabaldon Horse Camp, proposed fees are $15 per night and $5 per extra vehicle. - At the listed Apache-Sitgreaves boating, day-use, and fishing sites, proposed standard amenity fees are $5 per vehicle per day or $40 per year. The America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass would be honored at these sites. - Other proposed fee services include Mill Falls Campground, Pine Grove and Falls Creek Campgrounds, and rentals at Forest Lake and Highwood Cabins; the source excerpt does not state their fee amounts. - Use of revenue and review: Fee revenue would support recreation opportunities, site operations, maintenance, improvements, customer service, and visitor services. Proposals are subject to public involvement and advisory committee review before a final decision. - Reservations and named platform: Reservations for the North Carolina sites would be available through Recreation.gov or by phone. A separate $8 transaction fee would be charged by the reservation platform. - OEMs and procurement: No product manufacturers or OEMs are identified, and no goods or procurement services are being requested.

Description

The National Forests in North Carolina propose establishing two recreation fee sites: the Rocky Bluff Picnic Area and Poplar Boat Launch group picnic sites. A proposed expanded amenity recreation fee of $50 per day would apply, with fee revenue used to enhance recreation opportunities, improve customer service, and address maintenance needs. After public involvement, the sites and fees will be reviewed by a Resource Advisory Committee before a final decision and implementation. If approved, they would be established no earlier than six months after publication of the notice; reservations would also incur an $8 transaction fee.

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