Proposed Fee Changes
*Public comments have been received and will be submitted along with these proposals to the Eastern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC). Following RRAC review, each proposal is still subject to approval by the Regional Forester.
The White Mountain National Forest has long been loved for its outstanding recreation opportunities. In order to continue to maintain high quality recreation experiences, the National Forest recently completed an analysis of the methods and financial efficiency of the current Recreation Fee collection program.
During the past 12 years, the fee program has undergone numerous changes as a result of public input, legislative action, and program development. As appropriated funding levels change, the fee program helps provide funds to operate the Forest’s challenging recreation program, meet public expectations for high quality recreation opportunities, and address deferred maintenance.
The White Mountain National Forest is proposing to remove the following sites from the Recreation Fee program. Fees would no longer be charged at:
- Elbow Pond Day Use
- Russell Pond Day Use
- Cherry Mountain Dispersed Camping
- Haystack Road
- Gale River East/West Dispersed Camping
- Little Larry/Bull Brook Dispersed Camping
- Sawyer Rock Picnic Area
- Sawyer Pond Trailhead
- Sawyer River Road Trailhead
- Signal Ridge Trailhead
- Caribou Trailhead
- East Royce Trailhead
- Hastings Trailhead
The Forest also proposes to increase the cost of the WMNF Recreation Pass, increase the fee at four recreation sites, and add two new sites:
| WMNF Recreation Pass Types |
Current Fee |
Proposed Fee |
| |
|
|
| Daily Pass |
$3 |
$5 |
| Weekly Pass |
$5 |
$10 |
| Annual Pass |
$20 |
$30 |
| Household Pass** |
$25 |
$40 |
** A Household pass consists of 2 annual passes valid for 1 calendar year from the month of purchase for all fee sites on the Forest. It is intended for 2-car families.
| Recreation Site |
Location |
Proposal |
| |
|
|
| Doublehead Cabin |
Saco Ranger District |
Cabin rentalfee increase to $30/night |
| Black Mountain Cabin |
Saco Ranger District |
Cabin rental fee increase to $30/night |
| Fourth Iron Tentsite |
Saco Ranger District |
Tent site fee increase to $10/night |
| Crocker Pond Campground |
Androscoggin Ranger District |
Campsite fee increase to $16/night |
| Cabot Cabin |
Androscoggin Ranger District |
Add site to cabin rental program
Fee – $30/night |
| Zealand Picnic Area |
Pemigewasset Ranger District |
Add site to fee program Fee – WMNF Recreation Pass |
The Eastern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee, a federally-chartered citizen advisory group authorized by the Recreation Enhancement Act of 2006, will provide recommendations on all fee proposals prior to implementation. Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act Fees help pay for the cost of operating and maintaining recreation facilities and services. Fees are assessed based on the level of amenities and services provided, cost of operation and maintenance, and market value.
For new fee sites, fees will be charged after improvements are made.
If you have questions:
Fee Increase Questions
White Mountain National Forest
71 White Mountain Drive
Campton, NH 03223
or
Sarah LaPlante (603) 536-6237.
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