WE, the undersigned taxpayers, are OPPOSED to the U.S. Forest Service’s attempt to impose additional recreational fees on campers, hikers, and trail riders entering the Shawnee National Forest. WE are OPPOSED to (1) additional equestrian fees, (2) elimination of the discount or free passes for disabled and/or senior trail riders, (3) disregard for the potential loss of revenue by tourism related businesses and (4) a proposal that seems to change daily concerning what will or will not be implemented by the U.S. Forest Service. Petitions to be hand delivered to the USDA FS R9 office in Milwaukee Wi.
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Shawnee National Forest webpage:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/shawnee/
SUMMARY: The Shawnee National Forest is proposing to begin charging fees at eight day-use recreation sites, as well as for equestrian use of the designated trail system. Additionally, the Forest proposes to increase fees at five campgrounds. The proposed fees are based on the level of amenities and services provided, cost of operation and maintenance and market assessment. At this time, the fees described below are only proposed and may be modified upon further analysis and public comment. Funds from fees would be used for the continued operation and maintenance of recreation sites and the Forest’s designated equestrian trail system. The establishment of fees at certain types of recreation sites on national forests is authorized by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act which was signed into law by President Bush in December 2004.
For the full document filed in the Federal Register:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-20232.htm
More information at the Illinois Federation for Outdoor Resources webpage:
Return signed petitions to : Michael Scott 60 Hilltop Lane Simpson, IL 62985