The U.S. Forest Service is looking to raise fees for parking, camping, access and more in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Before the agency increases prices, it is offering two public meetings for residents to weigh in on the changes.
The first meeting will be from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2., at the Packwood Community Center, 12935, U.S. Highway 12, Packwood. A second meeting will be held from 4 to 5:45 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Stevenson Community Library.
The Forest Service is asking for public feedback on proposed changes to recreation fees under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. These changes include new fees and fee increases at multiple sites, and several special recreation permit fees. The proposed changes include 17 day use sites, one group day use site, 10 campgrounds, three group campgrounds and seven rental cabins. The complete list of proposed fees by site and ranger district can be found online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/fees.
Those unable to attend the fee proposal open houses can mail comments no later than Sept. 16 to Gifford Pinchot Forest Service, attention: Recreation Fees, 987 McClellan Road, Vancouver, WA, 98661. Comments can be emailed to sm.fs.gpnfrecfees.usda.gov.
