[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 191 (Wednesday, October 6, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55568-55569]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-21819]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Notice of Proposed New Fee Site

AGENCY: Forest Service, Agriculture (USDA).

ACTION: Notice of proposed new fee site.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The White River and Grand Mesa Uncompahgre Gunnison National 
Forests, located in central Colorado, are proposing to charge a new 
special recreation overnight permit fee for areas located in the Maroon 
Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. An analysis of other opportunities shows the 
proposed fees as described below under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION are 
reasonable.

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

ADDRESSES: White River National Forest, ATTN: Recreation Fees, P.O. Box 
309, Carbondale, CO 81623.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Warner, District Ranger, 970-
404-3157. Information about proposed fee changes can also be found on 
the White River National Forest's website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver.

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.
    The fee is based on the level of amenities and services provided, 
the cost of operations and maintenance, and the market assessment of 
similar types of opportunities. A new special

[[Page 55569]]

recreation fee of $12 per night per person is proposed for overnight 
permits for certain areas located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass 
Wilderness during peak permit season. An analysis of nearby developed 
recreation sites with similar amenities shows the proposed fees are 
reasonable and typical of similar sites in the area. Scenic, high 
alpine passes connect 173 miles of Forest System trails featuring rich 
wildlife and botanic biodiversity, natural hot springs, and 
breathtaking fall colors. These characteristics make Maroon Bells-
Snowmass Wilderness a unique wilderness recreation destination. The 
proposed fee would help cover the costs of specialized services 
including managing the permit system's sustainable distribution of 
visitors, site restoration, increased Forest Service ranger presence, 
trash and human waste removal, increased local and regional outreach, 
and improvements to trail access, trailhead signage. and information 
kiosks.
    These new fees will be reviewed and approved by a Forest Service 
Regional Recreation Fee Board and the Forest Service Regional Forester 
prior to a final decision and implementation.
    People wanting to reserve these permits will be able do so through 
Recreation.gov, at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

    Dated: October 1, 2021.
Sandra Watts,
Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2021-21819 Filed 10-5-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P