[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 47 (Monday, March 10, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12758-12759]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-4604]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[CO-05-1220-EB-CO-]


Notice To Establish Special Recreation Permit Application, 
Renewal and Transfer Fees for Commercial, Competitive, or Organized 
Group Activities and Events; Colorado

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Colorado State Office.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Colorado State Office of the Bureau of Land Management 
(BLM) plans to implement Special Recreation Permit (SRP) fees. The fees 
will establish standard statewide application, transfer, and renewal 
fees for SRPs. The fees apply to commercial, competitive, or organized 
group activities and events on BLM lands, and revenues will be used to 
help offset the cost of processing SRPs. Field offices will also be 
allowed to keep more revenues that would benefit on-the-ground work, 
including an increased law enforcement presence, hiring seasonal 
employees, and site improvements. Currently, there is no statewide SRP 
fee. This new fee will not affect cost recovery charges when the 50-
hour cost recovery threshold is anticipated to be exceeded. The fees 
are:

 New SRP--$100
 SRP Renewal (re-issuance of expired permits)--$50
 SRP Transfer from one person to another person--$100

    These fees do not apply to individual SRPs authorizing use of 
designated Special Use Areas. Also, no fees are charged for annual 
operating authorizations.
    Future adjustments in the fee amount will be made based on 
inflation and local market trends. Consultation will be made with 
Colorado's three Resource Advisory Committees and appropriate public 
notices will be posted prior to a fee increase.

DATES: The SRP Application Fee Proposal was published in the Federal 
Register on September 11, 2007, as a proposed supplementary rule. The 
comment period was open through November 13, 2007. The new fees will go 
into effect on March 10, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jack Placchi, Outdoor Recreation 
Planner, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado State Office, 2850 
Youngfield, Lakewood, Colorado 80215, (303) 239-3832.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    All commercial, competitive or organized group activities, special 
events, and special area use on BLM public lands require a Special 
Recreation Permit (SRP). The BLM Colorado manages over 800 commercial, 
competitive, and organized group activity and event SRPs annually.
    BLM Colorado is implementing a new SRP application fee for the 
issuance of new permits, and for the transfer and renewal of existing 
permits. The new administrative fees are $100 for a new permit, $50 for 
a permit renewal, and $100 for a permit transfer. The average cost to 
existing permit holders will be $10 per year, as most permits are 
renewed every 5 years. This fee does not apply to individual SRPs 
issued for special area use.
    A statewide application fee will make the cost of applying for and 
receiving a commercial, competitive, or organized group activity and 
event SRP consistent at all the BLM Colorado field offices..
    The fees collected under statewide application will be kept at the 
site to augment recreation opportunities for the public. Both public 
and private outfitters will benefit from the fee through the BLM's 
increased law enforcement capabilities, additional funds for signing 
and interpretive education, and a greater BLM field presence to control 
illegal operations on BLM-managed public lands.
    Pursuant to 43 CFR 2932.31(d)(1)-(4), and BLM Manual, H-2930-1 
Recreation Permit Administration Page 27 paragraph f. (1), the State 
Director has the authority to set and adjust fees for SRPs. Direction 
from the BLM's ``Priorities for Recreation and Visitor Services (Purple 
Book), Goal 3: Provide for and Receive Fair Value in Recreation'' also 
encourages the implementation of such fees.

Comments Received on Proposed Supplementary Rule

    Only one comment was received regarding the proposed fee. The 
commenter had two concerns:
1. That the fee should be $250.00
    To determine an appropriate fee structure, the BLM interviewed BLM 
SRP managers across Colorado. Those interviewed included recreation 
permit and license managers of local and regional recreational programs 
including Arkansas Headwaters State Recreation Area, Colorado 
Department of Regulatory Affairs, and Colorado State Parks River 
Outfitter Licensing Program. The BLM also interviewed the Executive 
Director of the Colorado

[[Page 12759]]

Outfitters Association. As a result of these consultations, we believe 
the proposed fee structure is appropriate.
2. That the BLM not sanction any animal abuse in permitted events
    The BLM does not sanction the abuse of animals and complies with 
all state and Federal laws regarding livestock and other animals. There 
is no need to change the fee structure based on this comment.

Sally Wisely,
Colorado State Director.
[FR Doc. E8-4604 Filed 3-7-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-JB-P