[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 190 (Tuesday, October 5, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 54918]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-21570]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Notice of Proposed New Fee Site

AGENCY: Forest Service, Agriculture (USDA).

ACTION: Notice of proposed new fee site.

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SUMMARY: The San Juan National Forest (Forest) proposes to charge new 
fees at the Chimney Rock National Monument. These sites are currently 
in use by the public, but the Forest Service is not currently charging 
a fee for their use. Funds from fees would be used for the continued 
operation and maintenance of these recreation sites. Fees are assessed 
based on the level of amenities and services provided, cost of 
operation and maintenance, market assessment, and public comment. 
Significant capital improvements made in the past few years, coupled 
with increased visitation, support a fee. A review of visitor use data 
and fee collection information for existing fee campgrounds and group 
campgrounds on the Forest demonstrate public need and demand for the 
variety of recreation opportunities these facilities provide.

DATES: If approved, the new fee would be implemented no earlier than 
six months following the publication of this notice in the Federal 
Register.

ADDRESSES: Pagosa Ranger District, Chimney Rock Fee Change Proposal, 
P.O. Box 310, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, or by emailing Paul Blackman at 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Blackman, District Recreation 
Staff, 970-264-1505 or [email protected]. Information about 
proposed fee changes can also be found on the San Juan National 
Forest's website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan.

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. Fees are based on the level of 
amenities and services provided, the cost of operations and 
maintenance, and the market assessment of similar types of 
opportunities within the geographic area.
    The current fee is $12-$16 per adult and $6-$8 per child which is 
charged by the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association. The proposal will 
establish a new Forest Service fee of $20 per vehicle for five days and 
$10 per motorcycle for five days. Revenue from these fees will help the 
Forest Service and its partner, Chimney Rock Interpretive Association, 
to provide services and amenities so visitors can continue to access 
and enjoy a unique and high-quality monument experience. Revenue would 
be directed primarily towards infrastructure maintenance and repairs, 
as well as Forest Service activities such as managing parking, 
maintaining trails, providing education, protecting cultural resources, 
and providing other visitor services.
    Once public involvement is complete, these new fees will be 
reviewed and approved by the Rocky Mountain Regional Office prior to a 
final decision and implementation.

    Dated: September 29, 2021.
Sandra Watts,
Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2021-21570 Filed 10-4-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P