RRAC Proposals and Public Discussion - Sequoia Cabins (Jan 2008)
Sequoia National Forest
Expanded Amenity Fee Increase Proposals
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Camp 4 ½ Cabin - Located near Kings River. Rental of this cabin allows the public a rare and unique opportunity to step back in time for a glimpse of National Forest history.
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Big Meadow Cabin - The Big Meadows cabin was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid-1930s. It was restored in 2001.
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Oak Flat Lookout - Oak Flat Lookout served for many years as a Forest Service fire tower, but is retired and used as a recreation rental. The Lookout overlooks the scenic Kern River 25 miles east of Bakersfield, CA. Perched on 30 foot stilts with 40 steep stairs to climb, it is a very popular getaway for forest visitors.
Site | Current Fee | Proposed New Fee | % Increase | Annual O&M | Deferred Maintenance | Last Increase |
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Camp 4 ½ Station | $75 | $100 | 33 | $16,950 | $38,510 | 2002 |
Big Meadows Cabin | $100 | $125 | 25 | $10,314 | $39,800 | 2001 |
Oak Flat Lookout | $35 | $50 | 43 | $7,736 | $7,824 | 1997 |
How recreation fees are used:
- Perform general operation and maintenance of cabins & lookout – includes cleaning cabins/lookout, changing batteries, and testing water systems
Why increase fees?
- To meet rising operation and maintenance costs
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To complete deferred maintenance items such as:
- Replace the water system at Big Meadow Cabin & Camp 4 ½
- Replace roof at Big Meadow Cabin
- Re-align sewer pipe at Camp 4 ½
- Replace vault toilet at the Oak Flat Lookout
Summary of Public Involvement
Sequoia National Forest - Proposed Fee Increases
Includes public involvement efforts & comments as of December 15, 2007
Site/Service | Current Price | Proposed Price |
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Oak Flat Lookout | $35/night |
$50/night (2008) $75/night (2010) |
Camp 4 ½ Cabin | $75/night |
$100/night (2008) $125/night (2010) |
Big Meadow Cabin | $100/night |
$125/night (2008) $150/night (2010) |
Forks of the Kern River Private Boater Permit Drawing | $2/application for permit | $10/application for permit |
Public Participation Tasks | Date(s) |
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Posted notice at recreation sites inviting comments on proposed fee changes. | June 11, 2007 - present |
Ran press release announcing proposed fee changes in Fresno Bee, Bakersfield California, and Kern Valley Sun. | May 30, 2007 |
Ran press release announcing series of open houses to discuss proposed fee changes. | July 16, 2007 |
Posted information on proposed fee changes on forest web site. | August 1, 2007 |
Briefed local elected officials on proposed fee changes. | June 2007 |
Article about fee increases and open houses on front page of the Kern Valley Sun. | August 22, 2007 |
Conducted public open houses (workshop format) at various locations to discuss proposed fee changes. | May 29, August 1, 8, 16, 18, & 28, 2007 |
Met with Kern River Valley Revitalization (KRVR) & Kern River Valley Chamber members to discuss proposed fee changes. | March 2, 2007, March 7, 2007, and March 8, 2007, |
Met with Kern Valley Exchange Club members to discuss proposed fee changes. | March 8, 2007 |
Met with Kernville Chamber members to discuss proposed fee changes. | March 12, 2007 and March 26, 2007 |
Met with Lake Isabella & Bodfish Homeowners Association members to discuss proposed fee changes. | May 8, 2007 |
KCNQ Dam Talk Show (call in show). | March 9, 2007 |
Letters sent to holders of the Forks of the Kern River Private Boaters Permit over the past three years. | September 2007 |
Method of Communication | Summary of Comments- as of 12/15/07 |
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Posted On-site Notices | One response suggested implementing an “Adventure Pass” approach to fees. |
Press Releases & News Story | One letter to the editor of the Kern River Courier, August 10, 2007 supporting fee increases. Two letters to the editor (written by same person) opposing REA in general and specifically fees associated with private white water boating. Individual also wrote four letters to the forest requesting more information and opposing fees associated with white water boating. Three e-mails received supporting fee increase to maintain facilities. |
Forest Web Site Posting | None received |
Public Meetings and Call in Radio Show | Over 130 attendees at various open houses, community and stakeholder meetings. All expressed support for fee increases and want Forest Service to use fees to operate & maintain sites. Some felt sites were priced too low. Most expressed support for fee increases as long as recreation sites remain open. Many like the idea that forest retains 95% of fees collected and want that to remain. Some expressed desire to continue to meet with FS to discuss fee changes. |
Open Houses (Workshops) |
Over 50 attendees at six open houses across the forest. Written comments received:
One comment received opposing fee increase at Fish Creek CG. |
January 14-15, 2008 RRAC Meeting