Proposed Changes to Recreation Fees

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is proposing changes to fees at developed recreation sites across the forest.

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“Fees collected on the Chequamegon-Nicolet are invested back into the recreation program on the Chequamegon-Nicolet by way of infrastructure repairs and enhancements at developed recreation sites. The fee program is a critical contributor to the annual recreation maintenance and operations budget, sustaining operations at campgrounds and day-use sites,” said Recreation Program Manager Karen Katz.

“Comments that you provide regarding the proposed fee changes will be taken into consideration. The 61-day public comment period is the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your feedback with agency decision-makers.”

The forest maintains developed recreation sites where fees are charged for campsites per night. However, it is permissible to disperse camp in nearly all of the 1.5 million acres of general forest area, as long as campers stay 150 feet away from a road, trail or developed campground. This is indicated in the forest occupancy and use order.

The proposed fees by site and Ranger District are listed in the below table.

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In 2004, U.S. Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) which allows the Forest Service to retain funds collected at certain recreation sites and use these funds locally to operate, maintain, and improve these sites. Eighty percent of the revenue from recreation fees remains on the forests to operate, maintain, and improve facilities. Raising the revenue collected through recreation fees would help the forests improve infrastructure at campsites and day-use sites and maintain high standards of quality during the season of operation. The resource derived through collection of fees helps provide quality recreation opportunities that meet the modern expectations of visitors and creates a more financial sustainable developed recreation program for the benefit of future generations.

These 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 fee changes.