[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 10, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 1508]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-185]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Notice of New Fee Site; Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, 
(Title VIII, Pub. L. 108-447)

AGENCY: Tongass National Forest, USDA Forest Service, Agriculture.

ACTION: Notice of new fee site.

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SUMMARY: The Tongass National Forest proposes to begin charging a $5/
day, $10/three-day, $20/week, and $75/season fee for entering the Fish 
Creek Wildlife Observation Site (Fish Creek) near Hyder, Alaska. There 
is strong public support and appreciation for the experience provided 
at Fish Creek. Funds from the fees will be used for providing safety 
improvements for the public and protection for the wildlife as well as 
interpretive and visitor comfort services.

DATES: Fish Creek will begin charging a fee on July 1, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Forest Supervisor, Tongass National Forest, Federal 
Building, 648 Mission Street, Ketchikan, AK 99901.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Fitzwilliams, Public Services 
Staff and Fee Coordinator, 907-747-4236.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Recreation Lands Enhancement Act 
(Title VII, Pub. L. 108-447) directed the Secretary of Agriculture to 
publish a six month advance notice in the Federal Register whenever new 
recreation fee areas are established. The intent of this notice is to 
give publics an opportunity to comment if they have concerns or 
questions about new fees.
    The Tongass National Forest currently has two other wildlife 
viewing fees sites. These sites are often at capacity throughout their 
season. A business analysis of Fish Creek has shown that people desire 
having for of this sort of recreation experience on the Tongass 
National Forest. A market analysis indicates that the $5/10/20/75 per 
day/three-day/week/season is both reasonable and acceptable for this 
sort of unique recreation experience.
    People wanting to purchase passes for Fish Creek can do so at the 
Forest Service office in Hyder or at Fish Creek. The Forest Service is 
also working to make passes available at local businesses in the 
communities of Hyder and Stewart.

    Dated: January 3, 2006.
Forrest Cole,
Tongass National Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 06-185 Filed 1-9-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-14-M