Forest Service may increase recreation area fees

The U.S. Forest Service is proposing increasing or establishing user fees at some recreation areas in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.

The agency is asking the public to comment on the proposals, which include entrance fee increases to the Roan Mountain Recreation Area and the Sliding Rock Recreation Area, as well as the implementation of a fee for the first time at the Wolf Ford Campground in Pisgah National Forest.

Other proposals include user fee increases at beaches, shooting ranges and several off-highway trail systems.

“Without the fee, two things would happen: We would not maintain them (the recreation areas) to the level people expect and deserve; and we would not be able to add amenities that people ask for,” said Candace Wyman, a spokeswoman for the National Forests in North Carolina. “The fees do not cover all the costs, but they certainly help.”

For more information on the proposals, and to comment, please click here.




Jeff
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