[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 147 (Wednesday, July 31, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Page 37236]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-16295]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of proposed fee hanges.

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SUMMARY: The Chippewa National Forest is seeking public comments on a 
proposal that would change recreation fees to enhance campgrounds. Fee 
changes are being proposed at the Norway Beach Recreation Area, 
including an $8 amenity fee for those campsites with electricity. Fees 
are assessed based on the level of amenities and services provided, 
cost of operations and maintenance, and market assessment. These fees 
are proposed and will be determined upon further analysis and public 
comment. Funds from fees would be used for the continued operation and 
maintenance and improvements to the facilities within the recreation 
areas. An analysis of nearby recreation facilities with similar 
amenities shows that the proposed fees are reasonable and typical of 
similar sites in the area.

DATES: To ensure consideration of public comments, comments shall be 
submitted on or before September 30, 2019. If approved, new fees would 
be implemented in 2020.

ADDRESSES:  Darla Lenz, Forest Supervisor, Chippewa National Forest, 
200 Ash Avenue NW, Cass Lake, Minnesota 56633.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine Brown, Forest Recreation 
Program Manager, 218-335-8661. Information about the proposed fees can 
also be found on the Chippewa National Forest website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/chippewa.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    The Chippewa National Forest is proposing a change to recreation 
fees at the Norway Beach Recreation Area. Based on the proposed fee 
changes, Onegume Campground is proposed to change from $23 per night to 
$22 per night, and Stony Point Campground and Chippewa Loop in the 
Norway Beach Recreation Area are proposed to change from $26 per night 
to $22 per night plus an additional $8 amenity fee for sites with 
electrical hook up. Other fee changes proposed for the Norway Beach 
Recreation Area campgrounds include: The Cass Lake Loop is planned to 
decrease from $21 per night to $16 per night upon completion of changes 
including: Walk in access only and removal of the shower and flush 
toilet building. Norway Beach Loop will be increased from $21 per night 
to $22 plus $8 amenity fee for electrical hook ups, once completed. The 
Norway Beach group site fees are proposed to be $55 for up to 2 units 
and $85 per night for up to 3 units on site. The upgrades to Norway 
Beach Loop are slated to be complete before 2023. The Wanaki Loop fee 
will increase from $21 per night to $22 per night to be in line with 
the other campgrounds in the Norway Beach Recreation Area.
    Revenue generated from the proposed fees would be used to make 
improvements, such as the addition of electrical hook ups as well as 
upgrades in existing hook ups to 50 amps; upgrading picnic tables, 
grills, fire rings, restroom facilities, signage; new septic systems in 
three campgrounds loops in Norway Beach Recreation Area and addition of 
group sites in the Norway Beach Loop.
    Fees are assessed based on the level of amenities and services 
provided, cost of operations and maintenance, and market assessment. 
The fees are proposed and will be determined upon further analysis and 
public comment. An analysis of nearby recreation facilities with 
similar amenities shows that the proposed fees are reasonable and 
typical of similar sites in the area.
    The Federal Recreation Lands Enhancement Act (Title VII, Pub. L. 
108-447) requires the Secretary of Agriculture to publish a six month 
advance notice in the Federal Register whenever new recreation fee 
areas are proposed. Once public involvement is complete, these new fees 
will be reviewed by a Recreation Resource Advisory Committee prior to a 
final decision and implementation.

    Dated: July 12, 2019.
Richard A. Cooksey,
Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2019-16295 Filed 7-30-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3411-15-P