In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, 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 boating access and amenities at Coffeemill and East Lake Crockett recreation areas.  Fee revenue also will fund 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.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed recreation fee changes. The comment period is set to end by close of business on April 30, 2026. To ensure that your comments are considered, please send your comments no later than the above date to Caddo and Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands, Attention: Jeff Stoney, 1400 US Hwy 81/287, Decatur, TX, 76234 or by email at mailroom_r8_texas@usda.gov. Comments can also be provided online.

Oral comments must be provided in person at the Caddo and Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands District Office to Jeff Stoney during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) by calling 940-627-5475 and indicating you would like to provide comments on the proposed recreation fee changes. For more information, visit our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/texas.

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 to recreation fees on the Caddo and Lyndon B. Johnson National