USDA Forest Service Invites Comments on Concession Campground Policy

[The Straight Story]

USDA Forest Service Invites Comments on Concession Campground Policy

WASHINGTON, Dec 03, 2009 — U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell announced today that the Forest Service is inviting comments on a proposed new policy for the acceptance of Interagency Passes at concession-operated campgrounds and day use recreation sites on National Forests and Grasslands. The policy would provide for coordination with concessioners to promote sustainable operations.

“The Forest Service is committed to ensuring that the American public can continue to fully enjoy the recreation opportunities on National Forests and Grasslands, and passes and discounts at concession operated campgrounds and day use sites are an important part of achieving this goal,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “To this end, the Forest Service is inviting comments on proposed changes to pass-related discounts that are designed ensure that all Americans can continue to enjoy our Natural Forests and Grasslands while protecting the viability of the small businesses providing the important concession services our visitors rely upon.”

Under the proposed new policy, the Forest Service would offer a 10% discount at concession run campgrounds and standard amenity day use sites to holders of Golden Age and Golden Access Passports and Senior and Access Passes. Further, concessioners would offer free usage of these day use sites to holders of an Annual or Volunteer Pass.

The proposal is open to a 60-day public notice and comment period. The public can review the proposed policy in the Federal Register (Vol. 229, No. 74, December 1, 2009) or at http://www.fs.fed.us/specialuses. Comments may be filed on line at www.regulations.gov (search for Notice ID FS-2009-0001).

The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land and is the largest forestry research organization in the world.

http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2009/releases/12/campground.shtml

[Nikki Stone1]

1. I didn't sleep well last night. Could you explain what this is in real English to those of us

ignorant of the current Forest Service policies?

[The Straight Story]

2. Looks like they want to offer less discounts in some cases:

SUMMARY:

The Forest Service is proposing changes to its directives
governing permits for operation of campground and related Granger-Thye
concessions (concessions with Government-owned improvements) on
National Forest System lands. The proposed directives would reduce from
50 to 10 percent the camping fee discount campground concessioners
(concessioners) are required to offer to holders of Senior and Access
Passes and Golden Age and Golden Access Passports.

Additionally, the proposed directives would allow concessioners to propose camping fee
discounts above 10 percent for these pass holders in their
applications; would require concessioners to offer a 10 percent
discount to holders of Senior and Access Passes and Golden Age and
Golden Access Passports for standard amenity recreation fee (SARF) day
use sites that they operate; and would require concessioners to provide
free use to holders of Annual and Volunteer Passes at SARF day use
sites they operate. Furthermore, existing concessioners could request
amendment of their permit to incorporate all of these changes, as well
as an increase in their land fee for the remaining term of their permit
if their gross revenue increases significantly due to the reduction in
the camping fee discount. Alternatively, the proposed directive changes
would allow existing concessioners to continue operating under the
terms of their current permit until it expires. Public comment on the
proposed directives is invited and will be considered in development of
the final directives.

http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#documentDetail?R=0900006480a60f36

[Nikki Stone1]

3. So they essentially want to raise fees by reducing discounts.

OK, I'm against it. Thanks. :)

[The Straight Story]

4. You can comment on the proposal here:

http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#documentDetail?R=0900006480a60f36