No Fees in the Shawnee National Forest

By

Michael Scott

Shawnee Trail Conservancy

“Shawnee National Forest Supervisor, Allen Nicholas, announced, based on several months of public comment, a final recreation fee proposal will be submitted for consideration.”  The proposal will be forwarded to the Regional Fee Board in Milwaukee, WI, where if approved will be forwarded to the Recreation Resource Advisory Council for consideration on October8, 2008.

The proposal will ask for fee increases ONLY for developed campgrounds.  In a news release from the southern Illinoisan, Nicholas noted that much of the opposition to fees came from the equestrian and day use communities.

Thanks to the efforts of 10 county boards, 4784 signatures from citizens, many businesses and organizations, equestrians will NOT pay a fee for using the trail system.  It is very important to point out that both equestrian and other users of the forest were in vocal harmony over the opposition to the fees.  There was to be a fee per car going to certain sites.  Now, there will be NO fee.  There was to be a fee per car to enter the Lincoln-Douglas Park in Jonesboro.  Now, there will be NO fee.

In closing, many  opposed the fees on the basis of being double taxed.  Others felt the money was not and would not be spent properly.  And finally, others felt like you should get something for your money.  Equestrians had no amenities; no trash cans, outhouses, picnic tables, etc.

The fees controversy did something in southern Illinois that was quite remarkable.  It brought together a diverse recreational family.  This has never happened on such a  scale.  Groups, organizations, government agencies, all pulled together.  Truly there is strength in numbers.  Now these numbers must continue their vigil.  They must watch and act for the future. All must remember that preserving our forest and enjoying our forest can co-exist.

Someone said……”Well we won!”  I guess you could say that, but I prefer to look at it in another way.  The outcome was not about winners and losers, rather it was about WHAT IS RIGHT!

The Shawnee Trail Conservancy is an affiliate member of IFOR.  To learn more about STC visit t their web site at www.shawneetrailconservancy.com .  In addition to being a director for STC, Mike Scott is also a moderator for the yahoo group Trail Alert (http:groups.yahoo.com/group/TrailAlert).