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Proposed Changes to Recreation Fees

 The Coconino National Forest is proposing changes to recreation fees at various recreation sites on the forest to help maintain highly visited sites and standardize the recreation pass program for all forest visitors.

Most recreation sites on the forest will not require a fee, with more than 67% of sites on the forest remaining free for general public use and enjoyment. The forest will continue to honor passes (including the Red Rock Pass) at all standard amenity fee sites and provide several fee-free days throughout the year.

Concessionaire-managed sites on the Coconino National Forest have separate fees and will remain unaffected by the proposed changes – including Beaver Creek Day Use, Call of the Canyon (also known as West Fork), Crescent Moon Ranch and Grasshopper Point.

The Process

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Two people wearing green pants and black t-shirts unload a large green machine from the back of a white van.

In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) which allows the Forest Service to retain at least 80% of the money collected at recreation sites and use these funds locally to operate, maintain, and improve these sites. Revenue collected through recreation fees would help the forest improve infrastructure at recreation sites and fund additional recreation staff during the season of operation. Recreation fees help provide quality recreation opportunities that meet the modern expectations of visitors and creates a more financially sustainable recreation program for future generations. 

Once public involvement is complete, these recreation fee changes will be reviewed by a citizen’s advisory committee. Committee members represent a broad array of recreation interest groups to help ensure that the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable recreation fees. The committee will submit their recommendation to the Regional Forester for a final decision. 

Proposed Changes

How to Comment

The public is invited to comment on the proposed recreation fee changes by close of business on Sept. 5, 2025.

Comment Online

Email Comments

Additionally, interested parties can:

  • Submit comments via email.
  • Comment in person at the Coconino National Forest to Brian Poturalski during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
  • Comment by phone at 928-527-3474 and indicating you would like to provide comments on the proposed recreation fee changes

Once public involvement is complete, these recreation fee changes will be reviewed by the Bureau of Land Management Resource Advisory Committee. Committee members represent a broad array of recreation interest groups to help ensure that the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable recreation fees. The committee will submit their recommendation to the Regional Forester for a final decision. 

Last updated May 12th, 2025

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