BOISE, Idaho — The Boise National Forest (BNF) is seeking public comments on a proposal to increase fees at more than 64 campgrounds, rental cabins and day use sites. According to BNF, these fees are in place to maintain, repair, improve and expand the forest's increasingly popular sites.
"The forest has seen a substantial increase in recreational use as the area's population has grown and with that, the need for upkeep and improving our developed recreation sites," said Forest Supervisor Brant Petersen. "It's been 26 years since we last increased fees on our campgrounds and rental cabins."
BNF's free programs provide funding to help maintain the recreation sites and experiences in the forest. If the proposed fees are approved, they would go into effect in 2025.
According to BNF, in recent years it has used funds from partners the Great American Outdoors Act, targeted allocations for recreation sites, and the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to make improvements on the developed recreation sites.
Projects recently completed include upgrades to rental cabins like Atlanta Guard Station and Third Fork Cabin, improvements at Edna Creek Campground and others near Sage Hen Reservoir. Creation of the Stack Rock Trailhead was also completed.
Planned projects funded by these partners include upgrades to Kirkham Hot Springs Day Use Site, Banks Access Boat Ramp, Trinity Renal Cabin, and four more campgrounds near Sage Hen Reservoir. These projects, which will cost approximately $10 million, are aimed at "providing the public with better recreational facilities and preserving our natural landscapes," BNF said.
The revenue from the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act fee program allows the Boise National Forest to better meet expectations for high quality recreation. Work being done using the fees have included adding campsites, expanding spurs to accommodate different sized camp trailers, and installing campground furniture. According to BNF, roughly 70% of the forest's developed recreation sites would continue to not charge a fee.
All the recreation sites proposed for new or increased fees can be found here, where you can also leave a public comment.
Comments will be received until Sept. 4 of this year, and can be sent by the following ways:
- US Mail - Attn: Recreation Fees, 1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 200, Boise, ID 83709
- Hand Delivered - Attn: Recreation Fees, 1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 200, Boise, ID 83709
- Email - Boise National Forest Recreation Program
- Calling - Forest Recreation Program Manager Everado Santillan at 208-373-4100
Once the comment period ends, the comments will be reviewed by the Forest Service staff.
The final proposed fee changes will be presented to an advisory board, representing an array of interests. Their recommendation will be submitted to the Forest Service Intermountain Regional Forester for a final decision.
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