Reds Meadow Valley and Devils Postpile National Monument
Proposed Fee Change for 2010
The Inyo National Forest and Devils Postpile National Monument are proposing to change the recreation fees at Reds Meadow Valley.
Background
For 30 years, visitors to Reds Meadow have paid a transportation fee to the Forest Service to help pay for the costs of the mandatory shuttle system. Since 2003, all visitors have been paying the following fees:
- Day pass: $7/adult (16 years old and older), $4/child (3-15 years old)
- Overnight pass: $7/adult, $4/child
- This pass is for overnight campers, overnight guests at Reds Meadow Resort, and wilderness backpackers and is good for the length of their stay in Reds Meadow
- 3 Day Pass: $14/adult, $8/child
- Season Pass: $35/adult, $20/child
- National Interagency Recreation Passes are not accepted.
The Fee Change Proposal
As a result of the new partnership with Eastern Sierra Transit for operation of the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile Shuttle, the Forest Service and Devils Postpile have the opportunity to use recreation fees to improve facilities and services to enhance the visitor experience in the Reds Meadow Valley. To take advantage of this opportunity, the Forest Service and Devils Postpile are proposing to change the fee to significantly enhance the recreation experience in Reds Meadow. Revenues from the proposed fee change would be spent in support of activities that benefit all visitors to Reds Meadow Valley, including:
- Roving interpretive rangers
- Improved day use picnic sites
- New facilities accessible to individuals with disabilities
- Hiking trail and fishing area improvements
- New and improved interpretive facilities
The Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile Shuttle will remain mandatory for most visitors to Reds Meadow between mid-June and Labor Day. Visitors paying the transportation fare to ride the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile Shuttle would not be required to pay any additional fee. The proposed fee change would only apply to the "exception vehicles" that are allowed to drive into Reds Meadow during shuttle operation, and to all visitors during the times of the season when the shuttle is not in operation (early June and after Labor Day.)
The overall goal with the fee change is to ensure a visitor experience that meets and exceeds the expectations of our visitors.
The Forest Service and Devils Postpile are proposing the following fees:
- Day pass: $10/vehicle
- Overnight pass: $10/vehicle
- This pass is for overnight campers, overnight guests at Reds Meadow Resort, and wilderness backpackers and is good for the length of their stay in Reds Meadow
- 3 Day Pass: $20/vehicle
- Season Pass: $35/vehicle
- National Interagency Recreation Passes would be accepted
- The Day Pass, 3 Day Pass, and Season Pass will also be accepted at both Inyo National Forest day use fee sites: South Tufa at Mono Lake National Forest Scenic Area and Schulman Grove in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
If approved, the fee change would not take effect until the 2010 summer season.
For a comparison of the existing fee to the proposed fee, click here.
We Want to Hear From You!
The Inyo National Forest is very interested in hearing from you about this fee change proposal. You can submit your feedback four ways:
- Email your comments and feedback to comments-inyo-fee-change@fs.fed.us
- Drop off comments at any Inyo National Forest Visitor Center
- Call (760) 873-2494
- Mail comments to:
Inyo National Forest
Attn: Matt Peterson
351 Pacu Ln. #200
Bishop, CA 93514
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