TONTO NATIONAL FOREST PROPOSED FEE CHANGES 2022
Tonto National Forest officials invite the public to comment on proposed recreation fees at four newly established Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) permit zones and one existing OHV permit zone within the Mesa and Cave Creek Ranger Districts. The proposal requires fees at the existing Bulldog Canyon OHV permit zone, the Rolls, St. Clair, Desert Vista, and Lower Sycamore, all within Maricopa County.OHV permits will be sold through Recreation.gov and administered by the Tonto National Forest. Yearly, monthly and daily permit options are proposed.
Proposed OHV permit zone fees:
- $100 per year
- $50 per month
- $10 per day
- Permit holders receive gate codes for accessing the OHV permit zones at time of purchase.
- Each individual vehicle operator 16 and older will be required to carry a valid OHV permit and government issued ID, such as a Driver’s License while recreating in an OHV permit zone.
FEDERAL LANDS RECREATION ENHANCEMENT ACT (REA)
In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) which allows the Forest Service to retain funds collected at certain recreation sites and to use these funds locally to operate, maintain, and improve these sites. Ninety-five percent of OHV permit zone revenue would remain on the forest to operate, maintain and improve OHV opportunities within OHV Permit Zones.Under REA, new fees and establishment of new fee sites must be recommended by a Recreation Advisory Committee (RAC) prior to approval by the Regional Forester. In Arizona, the Bureau of Land Management Resource Advisory Council serves in this capacity. Council members represent a broad array of recreation perspectives and review proposals to ensure reasonable and publicly acceptable new fees and fee changes. In Winter 2022, the RAC will consider this proposal and associated public comments prior to making a recommendation to the Southwestern Region Regional Forester, who will make the final decision to implement any proposed fees.
WAYS TO COMMENT
Comments are most useful if received by November 1, 2022.The public can submit comments on these proposed new fees:
- In writing U.S. Forest Service Mesa Ranger District, Attention: Jason Scow, 5140 E. Ingram St. Mesa, Arizona 85205.
- Email TontoRecreationComments@usda.gov
- Phone or in person Oral comments can be provided over the telephone between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday by calling (480) 610-3300.
When calling, please indicate you would like to provide comments on the proposed district recreation fee changes. - Interactive map Utilize a public mapping tool to provide comments on a specific site or to make a general comment about the Mesa and Cave Creek Ranger Districts’ fee proposals.
