U.S. Forest Service proposes recreation fee changes on the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests

PRESS RELEASE

National Forests in North Carolina

160A Zillicoa St.

Asheville, N.C. 28801 

Asheville, NC - April 22, 2019 - The U.S. Forest Service is proposing to change recreation fees at four areas on the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests and has opened an official public comment period from April 22 to May 31, 2019.

"Public lands benefit every American, and recreation fee revenue helps protect natural resources and enhance recreation opportunities on national forests" said Mike Wilkins, District Ranger on the Nantahala Ranger District.

The goal of the proposed changes is to establish a consistent fee approach for the National Forests in North Carolina and to improve visitor experiences through site upgrades paid for by the collected fees. 

"These fees will enhance our important multi-use trail systems and protect our historic cabin rental," said Andy Gaston, District Ranger on the Cheoah and Tusquitee Ranger Districts.

Current prices at many forest sites have remained static for over a decade and have not kept pace with other recreation sites with similar services and amenities. In addition, many sites have received various improvements and upgrades.

"We're looking forward to improving our OHV trails. Markets have changed and more OHV riders are showing up to Brown Mountain with side-by-sides. Many of our trails were designed to accommodate four wheelers. We're widening those trails for the new, wider side-by-sides that we are seeing more of," said Nicholas Larson, District Ranger on the Grandfather Ranger District.

These fee changes are only proposed. After public comments are received, the Forest will assess the comments and concerns and then present the fee proposals to the Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC).

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004 allows the Forest Service to keep 80-95 percent of fees collected to operate, maintain, and improve the recreation sites.

The proposed fee changes are:

Cabins

Swan Cabin - increase from $25 per night to $50 per night

Specialized Mountain Bike and Equestrian Trails

Tsali Mountain Bike and Equestrian Trail Complex - increase from $2 to $5 per rider per day, and $15 to $30 annual pass**

**Tsali trail fees apply only to mountain bikers and equestrians.

Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trails

Brown Mountain OHV Trail Complex - increase from $5 to $15 per vehicle per day, and $30 to $60 annual pass*

Wayehutta OHV Trail Complex - increase from $5 to $15 per vehicle per day, and $30 to $60 annual pass*

* As proposed, these fees will be phased-in over a two year period.

For more information visit our webpage  hhttps://fs.usda.gov/goto/nfsnc/recfeeproposal

To provide comments about this fee proposal for the RRAC to consider, contact Logan Free at 828-257-4256, by email at NFsNCfeeproposals@fs.fed.us, 

or by mail at:

ATTN: Recreation Fee Proposals

160A Zillicoa Street

Asheville, NC 28801

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