The idea of increasing the cost of recreation at numerous locations in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is being considered, a report said.
The Forest Service is proposing increased charges at 17 campgrounds, 24 cabins, three group picnic areas, and one group campsite. It was also proposed for the Crystal Park picnic and mineral collection area located in the Pioneer Mountains.
New fees can also be imposed at 22 campgrounds, seven day-use boat launch sites, one group campground, and six rental cabins within National Forest.
The public is invited to comment on the list of possible changes online, via email, or mail up to November 1st.
Catherine McRae, a spokesperson for the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, said that officials hadn’t increased fees for recreation since the late 1990s or early 2000s.
Contrary to other available sources of financing, the majority of recreation fees (approximately 95 percent) goes directly back into the national forest. The increased and new fees aid in funding maintenance, operations, and facilities improvement, McRae said.
If the advisory committees decide to push through another set of steps, the new fees and increases will be in effect by 2022, she added.
Within the Madison Ranger District surrounding Ennis, the changes could impact camping areas, cabins, and day-use areas in which people can launch boats.
In the proposed plan, campers who stay at Cottonwood, Mill Creek, and Potosi campgrounds will have to pay an additional fee of $12 per night. This new charge will be $15 at Branham Lakes and Bear Creek campgrounds.
At all five campgrounds, the cost will increase by $5 for each additional vehicle.
Visitors would also need to pay a per-day fee of $5 for parking a vehicle at the Cliff Lake or Wade Lake day-use areas, from which boats can be launched.
Costs for staying at the West Fork and Black Butte cabins in the Gravelly Range and the Antone Station in the Snowcrest Range would increase to $45 per night. The current rate is between $25-$35 to reserve the three cabins for one night.
The cost of reserving the Vigilante Cabin on the Ruby River southwest of Ennis for a night will be increased between $50 to $75 according to the proposed plan.
Additionally, nightly charges that range from $45 to $75 will be imposed at four cabins in the Madison Ranger District for the first time.
Did you know that the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest might increase fees for campgrounds and cabins and add new charges at recreational spots? I can’t fathom it! This could affect our outdoor adventures 😳.
Did you know about the potential fee hikes at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest? Budgeting ahead and sharing your thoughts could make a real difference in shaping the future experience there!