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Questions Regarding the Pass System
How will the Southern Sierra Annual Pass Work?
The Annual Pass will be validated on the purchase date and will be good until that date the following year.
Are there exceptions to the need for a Pass?
You will not need a pass when traveling through the Forest and stopping for activities incidental to through travel (stretch break, photo-opportunity, use a restroom), when you are parked at your residence or at an organization camp, or within areas covered by special use permits. A Pass is not required for people stopping for information at Ranger stations, visitor centers and other Forest Service offices. Volunteers and educational institutions, such as schools that bring children to the Forest for an outing, are also exempt. During 2008 there are three (3) free days authorized - National Trails Day (June 3rd), Veterans Day (November 11), and National Public Lands Day (September 27th).
Will the Southern Sierra Pass put business owners out of business?
Evidence supporting this fear has not been found. The Forest Service believes that well maintained recreation facilities are more inviting and promotes more tourism in an area thereby contributing to a healthier, local economy.
If a pass is being implemented, why not do it statewide rather than piecemeal by forest?
This option may be considered in the future as more forests expand their fee programs. There already is one national interagency pass option, the National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The regional or local passes are typically less expensive and ensure that the money stays in the areas the fee is collected.
What if I have more than one vehicle?
When you purchase an annual Southern Sierra Pass, you may also purchase a Second Vehicle Pass for an additional vehicle for $10.00. If you decide to purchase the Second Vehicle Pass at a later time, simply bring your Annual Pass with you when you make your purchase. Second Vehicle Passes are validated for the same month and year as the annual Southern Sierra Pass. Note: There is no second vehicle pass option for the National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
Will I receive a Ticket (citation) for not displaying a pass?
The objective of the recreation fee compliance program is to inform and educate visitors to the need for recreation fees. Field Rangers are trained to use their discretion in these situations, and will often rely on verbal information rather than written warnings to make the point.
New visitors have little familiarity with local rules upon arrival, in particular the requirement for displaying the passes. A warning notice called the “Notice of Noncompliance” (NNC) was designed that educates "first time" visitors to the fee requirement, while allowing for the fee to be paid after-the-fact. The enforcement option is reserved for the “habitual violators”, those who repeatedly fail to take care of their warning notices. Repeat violators expect the law-abiding visitors to carry the financial burden of paying for the benefits they enjoy while visiting the forest.
The Recreation Fee program will be enforced. Repeat violators are subject to receiving a Violation Notice if caught not displaying proof of payment (pass or permit) of the required fee. Section 12 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act requires the agency to enforce payment of the fees authorized by the Act. Registered owners and vehicle occupants may be jointly liable for the penalty, which is $100 for the first offense of nonpayment of 36CFR Sec 261.17. The fines can escalate for subsequent offenses of nonpayment.
Will there be a fee to park along the road?
Many people use highways and roads through the national forests for commuting or sightseeing, without engaging in other recreation activities. Travelers park briefly to stretch their legs or enjoy the sunset along these routes. Some travelers have expressed concern that they will be "cited" for not having a pass. The valid pass is required to be displayed on a parked vehicle along highways and other roads on national forest lands inside the boundaries of HIRAs, and in designated recreation fee sites if the passengers are using the area for recreational pursuits.
In all roadside parking situations, Forest Officers who check fee compliance are trained and expected to use their discretion. No pass is required for activities incidental to through-travel, like taking a photograph, using a restroom, or in the case of a personal emergency or a vehicle breakdown. Passes are not required for short-term parking at designated overlook, view point or vista sites. If the officer's evaluation leads them to conclude that the vehicle is parked for recreation use purposes for an extended period of time, the officer may issue the Notice of Noncompliance (a warning notice), or in the case of a "repeat violation", the Violation Notice ($100 maximum fine).
I Received a Notice of Noncompliance - Now What?
The Notice of Noncompliance (NNC) is a "warning". You are being asked to pay the required recreation use fee after-the-fact. Your payment "clears" the NNC in the database. If the vehicle license number on the NNC is in the database more than once, the registered owner may receive a citation for any future violation of the fee regulation. Remember: These recreation fees go to provide needed public services, upkeep of facilities and to repair the impacts of heavy use or abuse of the forest landscape and wildlife habitat.
Typical examples of exemptions to the fee are vehicle mechanical trouble, stops for activities incidental to through travel (take a photo, brief rest, use a restroom, etc). Administrative Passes are available free for convenience purposes. Check with your local Forest Service office.
If the Field Ranger missed seeing your pass, or left you a message stating that your pass was unreadable, please contact the Fee Program office. A service representative will assist you in resolving the issue.
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