Tonto National Forest announces 2014 fee-free days

Release Date: Jan 16, 2014

First fee-free day Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Mon. Jan 20

Phoenix (Jan. 16)– Tonto National Forest joins other federal agencies in offering fee-free days on public lands in 2014, beginning Jan. 20 in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The other 2014 fee-free days honored by national forests are:

• Feb. 15-17 President's Day weekend
• June 14, National Get Outdoors Day
• Sept. 27, National Public Lands Day
• Nov. 8-11, Veterans Day Weekend

“Your national forests and grasslands are a bargain any day of the year, but even more so on fee-free days,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “Whether you stay for a few hours or a few days, your public lands are some of the best travel bargains in the nation.”

Traditionally, fees are not charged on 98 percent of national forests and grasslands, and approximately two-thirds of developed recreation sites in national forests and grasslands can be used for free. This includes opportunities such as camping and picnicking.

Day-use fees will be waived at all standard amenity fee sites operated by the forest for these listed dates. Camping and campground fees are not waived.

During all other times, the Tonto Pass is required at more than 50 recreation sites including Salt and Verde river locations, boat launch ramps, swimming areas, day use areas, and campgrounds.

A list of Tonto Pass vendor locations is available at the Tonto National Forest website, www.fs.usda.gov/tonto, or call the Tonto National Forest at 602-225-5200. 

The U.S. Forest Service mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land and is the world’s largest forestry research organization.