[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 171 (Wednesday, September 3, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51438-51439]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-20215]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Notice of Proposed New Fee Sites and Fee Increase at Existing Fee 
Sites; Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (Title VIII, Pub. L. 
108-447)

AGENCY: Fremont-Winema National Forests, USDA Forest Service.

ACTION: Notice of proposal to implement camping fees at full service 
campgrounds, and to increase camp fees at existing fee sites.

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SUMMARY: The Fremont-Winema National Forests are planning to start 
charging fees at ten recreation campground sites, and increase camp 
fees at three existing fee sites and five recreation cabin rentals. The 
Forest is committed to responsibly serving the public by efficiently 
operating and, when necessary, modifying the services to ensure 
developed recreation sites are managed to health and safety standards, 
and provide recreation opportunities strategically across the Forests. 
As demographics change and new challenges are presented, it is the 
Forest's responsibility to respond and ensure that appropriate 
recreation services and facilities are available to the public.Fees are 
assessed based on the level of amenities and services provided, cost of 
operation and maintenance, market assessment and public comment. The 
fees listed are only proposed and will be determined upon further 
analysis and public comment. Funds from fees would be used for the 
continued operation and maintenance of these recreation sites.
    Aspen Cabin, Bald Butte Lookout, Currier Guard Station, Drake Peak 
Lookout andHager Mountain Lookout will continue to be available for 
overnight rental. The facilities are currently available for rent at 
either $25 or $30 per night. A financial analysis is being completed to 
determine the appropriate rental fee to cover operating expenses. 
Future fees may range between $40 and $50 per night. Lookout and forest 
cabin rentals offer a unique experience and are a widely popular 
offering on National Forests. Fees would continue to help protect and 
maintain lookout and cabin rentals and their historic integrity.
    The fee structure at Digit Point Campground is proposed to change 
from the required $10.00 per campsite plus $5.00 for an extra vehicle 
for overnight use to $12.00 per campsite plus $5.00 for an extra 
vehicle. A fee of $5.00 per campsite is proposed when the water system 
is no longer active, primarily in the spring and fall.
    The fee structure at Williamson River Campground is proposed to 
change from $6.00 per campsite plus $2.00 for an extra vehicle for 
overnight use to $10.00 per campsite plus $4.00 for an extra vehicle.
    The fee structure at East Bay Campground is proposed to change from 
$8.00 per campsite plus $2.00 for an extra vehicle for overnight use to 
$10.00 per campsite plus $4.00 for an extra vehicle.
    Campbell, Deadhorse, Cottonwood, Dog Lake, Lofton, Marster Springs, 
SilverCreek Marsh (campground and

[[Page 51439]]

trailhead) and Thompson Reservoir Campgrounds are currently free full 
service campground sites. A financial analysis is being completed to 
determine appropriate fee rates. The proposed fee would be used to help 
maintain these campgrounds and is proposed to be between $6 and $8 a 
campsite, and $2.00 for an additional vehicle.
    Walt Haring Snow Park is currently a free full service campground 
with a recreation vehicle dump station. A financial analysis is being 
completed to determine appropriate fee rates. The proposed fee would be 
used to help maintain this campground and is proposed to be between $6 
and $8 a campsite. A fee of $5.00 is also proposed for use of the 
recreation vehicle dump station.Recreation fees would be reinvested in 
campground and cabin facilities where a fee is charged.

DATES: New fees would begin after April 2009.

ADDRESSES: Karen Shimamoto, Forest Supervisor, Fremont-Winema National 
Forests, 2819 Dahlia, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rich Kehr, Recreation Fee Coordinator, 
541-883-6722. Information about proposed fee changes can also be found 
on the Fremont-Winema National Forests Web site: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/recreation/index.html.

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. Once public involvement is 
complete, these new fees will be reviewed by a Recreation Resource 
Advisory Committee prior to a final decision and implementation. People 
wanting to rent Aspen Cabin, Bald Butte Lookout, Currier Guard Station, 
Drake Peak Lookout and Hager Mountain Lookout need to do so through the 
National Recreation Reservation Service, at http://www.reserveamerica.com or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

    Dated: August 20, 2008.
Karen Shimamoto,
Forest Supervisor,Fremont-Winema National Forests.
[FR Doc. E8-20215 Filed 9-2-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M