Shoshone National Forest Proposing Fee Changes
Written by Grace Ballou on July 26, 2023
The Shoshone National Forest is proposing fee changes across its over 1,300 miles of trails, 32 campgrounds, and 11 picnic sites.
“We recognize how important these sites are to our visitors, local communities, and those who use the sites,” noted Acting Forest Supervisor Kathleen Minor for the Shoshone National Forest. “The proposed fee increases will help us operate and maintain the sites to the level and quality people have come to expect as well as make the fees more consistent with other similar recreation sites throughout the state.”
Over 70% of day sites, overnight campsites, and other recreational grounds in the forest are maintained without visitors paying fees for their residence.
The proposed fees that are listed by Ranger District are available for all to review and are listed at Shoshone National Forest – Home (usda.gov)
Nearly twenty years ago, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement, known as the REA, allowing the Forest Service to retain revenue from certain recreational grounds. In turn, they would utilize that money for the purpose of maintaining, improving, and operating those sites. As a result, the Forest Service would be able to attain the necessary materials to help improve infrastructure at different campsites and hire employees for cleaning, operating water systems, and making repairs. In addition, the collected revenue would give them the stability and opportunity to keep up with the recreational needs to meet modern expectations and provide the highest caliber recreation for current and future generations.
Wyoming uses a Recreation Action Team, a group of citizens that represents a variety of recreation interest groups. The team was created to ensure that the Forest Service has a reasonable proposal that is publicly accepted. The advisory committee must approve the new fee changes in order for the proposal to move forward.
The public is invited to comment on the proposed fee changes to the specified developed recreation sites. The comment period will continue until October 31, 2023.
Comment cards will also be provided at the district offices, campgrounds, and Sunlight Rangers Cabin. You can mail your comment cards to Shoshone Forest Service, Attention: Paul Rau, 808 Meadow Lane Avenue, Cody, WY 82414.
Once public involvement is complete, the proposed fee changes will be reviewed by the Wyoming Recreation Action Team, who will submit their recommendation to the Regional Forester for a final decision.
