Public Comment Period Open For Fees For New Tongass Cabins, Campgrounds

The following is courtesy of Tongass National Forest:

Public can comment on proposed recreation fees on the Tongass National Forest

Release Date: May 2, 2024

KETCHIKAN, Alaska – May 03, 2024 – The public has 60 days, starting today, to comment on proposed new recreation fees for six new cabins and one campground in southeast Alaska.

A complete list of locations and proposed fees is available on the interactive Alaska Region Recreation Fee Proposals site.

Comments can be submitted four ways from May 03 – July 02:

• Online – Electronic comments are accepted at https://arcg.is/0LSzWv2
• Email – sm.fs.tnfrecfee@usda.gov 
• Mail – Commenters should mail comments by the closing date to: Tongass National Forest – Ketchikan SO, Attention: John Suomala, Recreation Program Manager, 648 Mission Street, Suite No. 110, Ketchikan, AK 99901-6591.
• In-person or by phone – Comments may be provided in-person at any Forest Service office in southeast Alaska Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or by calling 907-228-6215.

Comment information, including the commenter’s name and address, will be considered part of the public record and viewable by the public.

 If approved, fee changes will take effect in 2024 or 2025. Collected fees are used to fund ongoing operations, maintenance, and improvements to provide high quality recreation sites for locals and visitors alike. The proposed fees will assist the Forest in closing the gap between normal appropriations and cost to maintain and operate. Proposed fee prices are based on a market analysis of similar recreation opportunities within the state.

For more information contact John Suomala, Recreation Program Manager, at 907-802-4229.