RGNF seeks public input on proposed fee changes for campgrounds

MONTE VISTA — The Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF) is asking for public input on a proposed change to the existing fee structure for developed camping and cabin rentals.

The overall proposal seeks to increase fees in existing fee campgrounds, initiate new fees for current non-fee campgrounds, extending reduced fees into the shoulder season for several campgrounds, and initiate a fee for two new rental cabins.

The campground and cabin fees would provide a sustainable source of revenue that would enable the RGNF to address day-to-day operations and deferred maintenance associated with these sites.

The public comment period on the proposal begins on June 15 and ends Nov. 1.

“Our developed recreation sites continue to provide excellent recreational opportunities for our rapidly expanding user base,” said Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor Dan Dallas. “The new fees and increases in existing fees will ensure long-term funding and a better path to sustaining these highly used recreational sites.”

Currently, 19 percent of the developed campgrounds on the RGNF do not charge a fee. If approved, fee changes would go into effect in the fall.

Advanced reservations for cabins will be available through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. The reservation service charges an $8. fee for reservations.

The Forest Service is encouraging all interested citizens to visit the official Fee Change Proposal project page at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/Rec Fee Changes and submit comments through Nov. 1.

Forest officials will review and consider all public comments and use them to inform and adjust the final proposal for the campground fees. Once public involvement is complete, these new fees will be reviewed by the Rocky Mountain Regional Officials prior to a final decision and implementation.

For more information, visit the dedicated Proposed Recreation Fee Increase web page at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/recfeechanges.