U.S. Forest Service is proposing recreational fee increases at 17 sites throughout the Cleveland National Forest, including 11 in San Diego County.
The proposal includes a new cost for day-use hiking permits at Three Sisters Falls and Cedar Creek Falls in San Diego County. The permits, currently free, would increase to $4 per person.
Fees for certain campgrounds would more than double if approved. The single-site fee for the Atáxam Mámta’ash Campground would increase from $12 to $30, and Fry Creek campground fees would double from $15 to $30.
The proposal includes fee increases at 15 campgrounds and two waterfall sites stretching across Riverside, Orange and San Diego counties. These recreation fees are separate from reservation fees, which can be used to reserve some sites in advance.
Revenue collected through these recreation fees would go toward improving infrastructure and fund additional staff, the Forest Service said.
“Recreation fees help provide quality recreation opportunities that meet the modern expectations of visitors and creates a more financially sustainable recreation program for future generations,” the Forest Service said.
Under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004, the Forest Service is allowed to retain at least 80% of the money collected at recreation sites and use the funds to operate, maintain and improve the sites.
Not all recreation sites in the Cleveland National Forest will require a fee under these proposed changes. The Forest Service said it will also continue to honor fee-free days.
Public comment on these proposed changes is open for an extended period through Sept. 30. After that, an advisory committee will review the fee changes. The committee will submit a recommendation to Jacqueline Buchanan, the acting regional forester of the Forest Service’s Pacific Southwest Region, for a final decision.
The public can send written comment to Cleveland National Forest, Attention: Mary Ann Davila Rodriguez, 10845 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92127 or by email to sm.fs.r5_fee_prop_cleveland@usda.gov. The public can also provide oral comment in person at the Cleveland National Forest to Mary Ann Davila Rodriguez during normal business hours or by calling 858-674-2977. Comments can also be provided online.