PHOENIX, November 5, 2019 — For Immediate Release.  The Tonto National Forest Supervisor’s Office and all Ranger District offices will close on Monday, November 11, in observance of the Veterans Day holiday. Offices will resume regular business hours November 12.

The Tonto National Forest also will waive fees at several day-use recreation sites on November 11, in honor of veterans.

According to Forest Supervisor Neil Bosworth, the fee-free day is the Tonto’s way of saying “thank you” to all who served in the military.

“We hope this fee-free day allows veterans, their families, and the general public to enjoy the nearly 3 million acres of the Tonto National Forest’s land held in trust for their enjoyment and use,” Bosworth said.

The fee-free program is held in conjunction with other federal land management agencies under the Federal Lands Recreation Act. It involves waiving fees at day-use sites, including picnic grounds, shorelines, and boat launches operated by the Tonto National Forest.

Fees charged by concessionaires at facilities they operate, as well as fees for overnight camping at Forest Service developed campgrounds will not be waived.

A Tonto Pass is usually required at the above sites, and can be purchased at over 200 vendor locations or local Forest Service offices. Tonto Daily Pass vendor locations are available at the Tonto National Forest website, and can also be purchased at fee machines located across the Forest. For information regarding passes, call the Tonto National Forest at 602-225-5200 during standard business hours.

Active duty military members can obtain a free Interagency Annual Military Pass that waives fees year-round at all Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sites charging entrance or standard amenity fees excluding concessions-operated facilities.