[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 36 (Wednesday, February 24, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Page 9163]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-03841]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Notice of New Fee Sites

AGENCY: Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of New Fee Sites.

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SUMMARY: The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is proposing to 
charge a $45 fee for the overnight rental for each of the Granite Butte 
Historic Fire Lookout and the Miller Creek Cabin. These sites have not 
been available for recreation use prior to this date. Rentals of other 
cabins on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest have shown that 
people appreciate and enjoy the availability of historic rental 
lookouts and cabins. Funds from the rentals will be used for the 
continued operation and maintenance of the Granite Butte Lookout and 
Miller Creek Cabin. This fee is only proposed and will be determined 
upon further analysis and public comment.

DATES: Send any comments about these fee proposals by April 11, 2016 so 
comments can be compiled, analyzed, and shared with the Western Montana 
Recreation Resource Advisory Committee. Both Granite Butte Lookout and 
Miller Cabin are proposed for recreation rental August, 2016.

ADDRESSES: William Avey, Forest Supervisor, Helena-Lewis and Clark 
National Forest, 2880 Skyway Drive, Helena, MT 59602 or Email to 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Concerning Granite Butte Lookout: Josh 
Lattin, Natural Resource Specialist, Lincoln Ranger District at 406-
362-7011 or [email protected]; or concerning the Miller Creek Cabin: 
Roy Barkley; Recreation Specialist, Townsend/Helena Ranger Districts at 
406-495-3914 or [email protected].

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.
    This new fee will be reviewed by the Western Montana Recreation 
Resource Advisory Committee prior to a final decision and 
implementation.
    The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest currently has seven 
other cabin rentals; however, this will be the first lookout available 
to rent on the Forest. These rentals are often fully booked throughout 
their rental season. A business analysis of the Granite Butte Lookout 
and Miller Creek Cabin has shown that people desire having this sort of 
recreation experience on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, as 
well as surrounding Forests. A market analysis indicates that the $45/
per night fee is both reasonable and acceptable for this sort of unique 
recreation experience.
    People wanting to rent Granite Butte Lookout or Miller Creek Cabin 
will need to do so through the National Recreation Reservation Service, 
at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. The National 
Recreation Reservation Service charges a $9 fee for reservations.

    Dated: February 18, 2016.
William Avey,
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 2016-03841 Filed 2-23-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3411-15-P