Proposed changes to recreation fees identified by the Chippewa National Forest

CASS LAKE — The Chippewa National Forest is proposing changes to recreation fees at developed campground sites across the Forest. Camping fees have not increased since 2008 for most Forest campgrounds.

The rental fee for the Norway Beach Picnic Shelter is proposed to decrease. In addition, the Chippewa is considering offering overnight rentals at two cabins within the Joyce Estates on Trout Lake. The proposed fees by site can be found at: fs.usda.gov/alerts/chippewa/alerts-notices/?aid=88370

“The Forest’s fee program provides a valuable source of funding which helps us to maintain high quality recreation sites and opportunities for which the Chippewa National Forest is known,” said Michael Stansberry, Forest Supervisor for the Chippewa National Forest. “The revenue from the REA fee program allows us to better meet public expectations for high quality recreation opportunities and maintenance of recreation sites.”

In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) which allows the Forest Service to retain funds collected at certain recreation sites and use these funds locally to operate, maintain, and improve these sites. Eighty percent of the revenue from recreation fees remains on the forests to operate, maintain, and improve facilities. Raising the revenue collected through recreation fees would help the forests improve infrastructure at campsites and hire additional recreation staff during the season of operation.

The resource derived through collection of fees helps provide quality recreation opportunities that meet the modern expectations of visitors and creates a more financial sustainable developed recreation program for the benefit of future generations.

These fee changes will be reviewed by a citizen’s advisory committee. Committee members represent a broad array of recreation interest groups to help ensure that the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable new fees and fee changes.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed fee changes to the developed recreation program. The comment period is set to end by close of business on September 1, 2024. To ensure that your comments are considered, please send your comments no later than the above date to Chippewa National Forest, Attention: Michelle Heiker, 200 Ash Avenue NW, Cass Lake, Minnesota, 56633, or via email to: michelle.heiker@usda.gov. Comments can also be provided online at: https://arcg.is/0HnOnX

Oral comments may be provided in person at Chippewa National Forest offices during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or by calling (218) 335-8600 and indicating you would like to provide comments on the proposed recreation fee changes. For more information on the proposed project, visit our website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/chippewa

Once public involvement is complete, the proposed fee changes will be reviewed by a Resource Advisory Committee, who will submit their recommendation to the Regional Forester for a final decision.