| Why is the Sequoia National Forest proposing New FEES?
In the Sequoia National Forest some areas draw a high concentration of visitors, usually associated with a river or lake. Some of these areas suffer under the heavy use and require more facilities, patrolling, up-keep and maintenance to protect resources and the quality of the recreation experience.
One of these areas is the Lake Isabella high impact recreation area (HIRA) which encompasses 140 acres within Auxiliary Dam, Old Isabella Road, and South Fork Recreation Area. A standard amenity fee is required for recreational use of the area. This fee helps support the facilities and visitor services provided.
In other areas highly impacted by recreation and suffering under heavy use and inadequate budgets, an opportunity exists to administer them as a “high impact recreation area” and charge a modest standard amenity fee. Three areas are currently being studied by the Forest Service: the Upper Kern River, additional National Forest System lands around Lake Isabella, and the areas along Lloyd Road.
Can we just leave the areas around Lake Isabella, the Upper Kern River and Lloyd Road as they are and not charge a fee?
Unmanaged recreation has been identified as one of the greatest threats to the health of national forest lands. Recreation fees are one tool that can be used to bridge the gap between funding shortfalls and the costs of providing quality recreation experiences. The Sequoia National Forest is considering other funding sources, such as volunteers and partnerships, but recreation fees will be necessary in order to manage the lands to an acceptable standard.
Can you give us an idea about what it costs to maintain/administer the different sites in the new proposed fee areas?
Yes, when preparing the business plans for each proposed new fee area the forest will carefully analyze the estimated costs associated with operating, maintaining, and enhancing these areas. Existing expenses include contracting costs for trash service and toilet pumping, visitor information services, law enforcement, fire and resource protection, graffiti removal, repairs from vandalism, and litter abatement. The public has expressed a desire to see increased law enforcement, increased management of dispersed camping, more litter abatement, and improvements in sanitation services.
Instead of developing a new fee why not just raise the fees at campgrounds?
In 2008 the Sequoia National Forest raised fees in six campgrounds and the Lake Isabella high impact recreation area that the Forest Service manages under the Recreation Enhancement Act. The fees from these areas will be used to operate, maintain and improve facilities and services at these sites. We need to look at ways to improve management and enhance services at other areas that are highly impacted by recreation.
Most campgrounds on the Sequoia National Forest are run by concessionaires. Only a small percentage of the fees collected by these private businesses are returned to the Federal Government. There are only 2 options available for the money received from concessionaires: 1.) an agreement can be reached with the Forest Service for the concessionaire to take care of deferred maintenance items (landlord type items such as an outdated water system) at that campground or 2.) The concessionaire makes a monetary deposit into the Federal Treasury which is not returned to the unit that collects the fee.
Can the Forest Service use partnerships with Camp Owens and correctional facilities for maintenance of facilities along the river and the lake?
Yes, partnerships with organizations and other government agencies are welcome and are an important part of the program of work for all developed recreation sites. For many years Camp Owens participated in partnership agreements with the Forest Service. Project Clean River- groups or individuals can adopt a section of the river or an individual site. Rotary Club built an wheelchair accessible site at Headquarters Campground. Several days each year groups organize to hold river cleanup events. The river rangers organize a clean-up event every year with the whitewater outfitter/guides to clean up campsites along the Forks of the Kern.
In the proposed new fee areas would certain areas or activities be exempted from a new fee?
- Areas under special use permits such as marinas and their permitted parking areas, and concessionaire operated campgrounds are exempt from the HIRA fee.
- Outfitter/guides transporting clients to the HIRA would not need to pay the HIRA fee during the times they are performing as an outfitter guide. They are paying a fee through their special use permit.
- Volunteers working on projects and educational institutions bringing students to the Forest for educational purposes 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 and 28th).
Would "group permits" be available under the HIRA?
At this time there is no proposed discount for groups. Groups would pay the same per vehicle fee as others at the HIRA. There are a number of group sites available for reservation and use. These are concessionaire run and offer facilities and services needed for concentrated use of larger groups.
Lake Isabella HIRA FAQs
Upper Kern River Proposal FAQs
Lloyd Road Proposal FAQs
Pass Related Concerns FAQs
General Revenue Concerns FAQs
Questions Regarding the Pass System FAQs
Response to the Open Letter
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