[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 159 (Thursday, November 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CABIN USER FEE FAIRNESS ACT OF 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. GEORGE R. NETHERCUTT, JR.

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 10, 1999

  Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to introduce the 
Cabin User Fee Fairness Act of 1999 with my colleagues, Senator Craig 
and Senator Thomas. The legislation will establish a new appraisal 
process to determine a fair fee for Forest Service cabins. Under the 
formula established by the bill, appraisals would be based on the raw 
value of the land, adjusted for structures and services provided by the 
Forest Service.
  The Cabin User Fee Fairness Act will address two major concerns with 
the current appraisal process. First, the appraisal methodology 
currently used by the Forest Service is not arriving at the appropriate 
value of the use of a lot by a cabin owner. Federal property differs 
from private land in that the owners do not maintain the same rights 
and privileges to their property as those held by private landowners. 
For example, permit holders cannot make modifications to the land or 
their cabin without the approval of the Forest Service, they cannot 
reside in their cabin on a year round basis and they cannot deny others 
access to the land on which the cabin is built. These factors should be 
taken into consideration in the appraisal process.
  A second major concern with the current process is how the 
traditional objectives of the Forest Service are changing under the new 
appraisal process. Recreational residences have been dominated by 
families. Some of these families are older, some young and some span 
generations, but the existence of families, many from relatively modest 
economic backgrounds, enhances the mission of the Forest Service to 
provide for the public at large. A dramatic and rapid fee increase 
diminishes the family atmosphere of the areas. Public lands exist for 
the enjoyment of a broad spectrum of Americans and dramatic fee 
increases hurt this objective.
  In each of the last two years, Congress enacted stop-gap measures 
through the Appropriations Committee, on which I serve, to gradually 
increase the fee rates while a long-term solution could be developed. 
The legislation I introduce today will provide for such a permanent 
solution to the problem.
  The passage of well thought-out legislation today, with the support 
and understanding of all parties, will avoid costly and adverse 
conflicts down the line. I urge my colleagues to support the Cabin User 
Fee Fairness Act.




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