[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 59 (Monday, March 28, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Page 17265]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-06465]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Notice of Proposed New Fee Sites

AGENCY: Forest Service, Agriculture (USDA).

ACTION: Notice of proposed new fee sites.

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SUMMARY: The Tonto National Forest is proposing to charge new fees at 
multiple recreation sites listed in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION of this 
notice. Funds from fees would be used for operation, maintenance, and 
improvements of these recreation sites. Many sites have recently been 
reconstructed or amenities are being added to improve services and 
experiences. An analysis of nearby developed recreation sites with 
similar amenities shows the proposed fees are reasonable and typical of 
similar sites in the area.

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: Tonto National Forest, Attention: Recreation Fees, 1009 E 
Hwy. 260, Payson, Arizona 85541.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Schuster, Tonto Fee Program 
Manager, (480) 292-0291 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. The fees are only proposed at 
this time and will be determined upon further analysis and public 
comment. Reasonable fees, paid by users of these sites, will help 
ensure that the Forest can continue maintaining and improving 
recreation sites like this for future generations.
    As part of this proposal, East Verde and Flowing Springs picnic 
sites are proposed at $12 day-use fee per vehicle. The full suite of 
Interagency passes would be honored. Additionally, the Tonto National 
Forest proposes to charge fees at five Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) zones. 
These zones are currently in use by the public and are in high demand 
due to their easy access from the Phoenix metro area and the growing 
popularity of OHV use. The five OHV zones include Bulldog Canyon, The 
Rolls, Lower Sycamore, St. Clair, and Desert Vista. OHV permits will be 
sold through Recreation.gov and administered by the Tonto National 
Forest. Permits are required for all OHV operators (not passengers) and 
are proposed at $100 per year, $50 per month, and $10 per day.
    New fees would provide increased visitor opportunities as well as 
increased staffing to address operations and maintenance needs and 
enhance customer service. Once public involvement is complete, these 
new fees will be reviewed by a Recreation Resource Advisory Committee 
prior to a final decision and implementation.
    Permits will be available through www.recreation.gov or by calling 
1-877-444-6777. The reservation service charges a $6.00 fee for 
permits.

    Dated: March 23, 2022.
Sandra Watts,
Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2022-06465 Filed 3-25-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P