U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell decided not to implement proposed changes to fees
charged to holders of passes at Forest Service campgrounds operated by private businesses.
The chief’s decision means seniors and people with disabilities will continue to receive a
discount at Forest Service campgrounds run by private concessions. The forest service had
proposed changes to discounts provided to holders of Golden Age and Golden Access Passports
and Senior and Access Passes. Under the proposal, discounts at concession-operated
campgrounds would have changed from the current 50% to 10%. After considering many public
comments, Tidwell determined the proposed changes are not the best way to address growing
challenges regarding services provided by private businesses at forest service recreation
facilities. “Each year more than 175 million people enjoy recreational opportunities on
national forests and grasslands, and that includes more than 15 million visits to our
campgrounds,” said Tidwell. “Particularly in these difficult economic times, it is very
important to maintain affordable access to our national forests and grasslands, giving
people easy ways to recreate and find respite in the great outdoors.” Concessioners are not
required to accept passes at day-use sites. Seniors age 62 and older pay a one-time $10 fee
for the Senior Pass. Lifetime Access Passes for people with disabilities are free. The
Forest Service conducted a 60-day public notice and comment period on the proposed changes.
More than 4,000 comments were received. For more information, visit www.fs.fed.us. Story courtesy of RV Business
.
