Forest service proposing updates to boating and camping fees

The Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests are proposing changes to recreation fees at various recreation sites on the forests. Not all recreation sites on the national forests require a fee. The Forest Service will continue to honor nationally recognized fee-free days at certain sites. In addition to these fee-free days, the forest is proposing to add the following as local fee-free days, waiving day-use fees for Grout Pond and Hapgood Pond day-use areas: Smokey Bear’s birthday, Sunday, August 9 and Indigenous Peoples’ Day Monday, October 12.

Locally, the following fees are being proposed. Grout Pond: day fee, $2.50 per person, walk-in; $2.50 per bicycle or motorcycle; $5 per vehicle; $35 season pass (per vehicle); $20 for a second vehicle pass within the same household. Camping fees: single site $25, premium site $30. Sites at Grout Pond can be reserved through www.recreation.gov for an additional $8 fee.

Somerset Airfield, camping fees: single site $25.

In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) which allows the Forest Service to retain at least 80% of the money collected at recreation sites and use these funds locally to operate, maintain, and improve its sites. Revenue collected through recreation fees would help the Forest Service improve infrastructure at recreation sites and fund additional recreation staff during seasons of operation. Recreation fees help provide quality recreation opportunities that meet the modern expectations of visitors and create a more financially sustainable recreation program for future generations.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed recreation fee changes. The comment period is set to end by close of business on Friday, July 31. To ensure submitted comments are considered, send by that date to Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests, Attention: Holly Knox, 4387 US Route 4 East, Mendon, VT, 05701 or by email to holly.knox@usda.gov.

Oral comments must be provided in person at the Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests supervisor’s office to Holly Knox during normal business hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 am to 3 pm or by calling (802) 747-6724.For more information about the Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests go to www.fs.usda.gov/.

Once public involvement is complete, the recreation fee changes will be reviewed by an advisory committee. Members represent a broad array of recreation interests to help ensure that the forest service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable recreation fees. The committee will submit the final recommendations to the regional forester for a decision.