September 27, 2023 |
Photo – Libby Flats Observation Deck – Courtesy US Forest Service
The US Forest Service is proposing a litany of rate changes and additional fees to the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest to pay for trail and campground maintenance.
At the September 19th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Brush Creek Hayden District Ranger Jason Armbruster presented a proposal from the United States Forest Service to increase campsite rates and introduce day use fees within the Medicine Bow National Forest. Ranger Armbruster said the Forest Service isn’t generating enough revenue to pay for required maintenance on trails and campsites.
Ranger Armbruster said 26 sites within Carbon County are planned to have rate increases or fees introduced. Ambruster said every campsite within the county will cost $20 a night to use, an increase of $10. The ranger said the new price matches the average rental rates for other campsites in the area.
As well as the campsite rental fee increases, Ranger Armbruster said the US Forest Service will require a $5 per vehicle per day payment to use certain popular locations in and around the Snowy Range.
Armbruster explained why the Forest Service wants to increase rates and charge new day use fees. The ranger said maintenance costs are outpacing the federal agency’s financial income.
Ranger Armbruster said the Forest Service is losing over $150,000 a year maintaining the 93 campsites and trails in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Armbruster said it will take around $5 million to restore every site to its original condition.
Ranger Armbruster said if the fee proposal is approved, the US Forest Service predicts revenue to increase to $1.2 million a year. Armbruster said the increased rates will pay for day-to-day care of the Medicine Bow National Forest and leave enough money to tackle some deferred maintenance projects.
The introduction of day use fees means the Forest Service is required to provide a selection of services at each site. The forest ranger said the day use fees can’t be collected until the services are in place.
Ranger Armbruster said the increased campsite rates and added day use fees will not only go towards maintenance. Armbruster said the Forest Service plans to enhance certain areas within the Snowy Range.
Commissioner John Espy said the public needs to know that the additional fees will result in better maintained trails and campsites.
Ranger Armbruster said in a show of good faith, the Forest Service has already begun repairing trails. Armbruster said the Forest Service promises to reinvest the money into the county.
Armbruster said 95% of the money generated from the campsite and day use fees will remain in Carbon County.
Commissioner Espy asked Armbruster if the increased prices will discourage people from using prepared camping areas. Ranger Armbruster said people that want a certain level of convenience will likely pay the increased rate.
Ranger Armbruster said a $30 annual pass will be offered for the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest.
Ranger Armbruster was asked who will decide if the fees are approved or not. Armbruster said the Wyoming Recreation Action Team, made up of representatives from many different state agencies, must give its blessing before the fee changes can be instituted. However, Armbruster said he isn’t entirely sure who will make the final decision.
Ranger Armbruster said if the proposal is approved, the fees will go into effect May 1st of 2024.
Ranger Armbruster provided commissioners with a complete list of the proposed fee changes. On top of the $10 increase for all Forest Service maintained campgrounds, twelve trails will be added to the fee schedule.
According to the list, Mirror Lake, West Lake Marie, and the Libby Flats Observation Platform are just a few of the areas that are currently free to use but would require a $5 fee if the proposal is approved.
The US Forest Service website with more information, as well as a complete list of the effected sites and trails will be included with this story when it is published on the Bigfoot99 website later today.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbr/recreation/?cid=FSEPRD1092198
