Retrosaurus Posted March 15, 2003 Share Posted March 15, 2003 First Forest Fee Action Alert of 2003 Forest Service about to implement National Passes. WHAT TO DO: Please fax Congressman Scott McInnis, Chair of House Forest and Forest Health subcommittee, and Senator Larry Craig, Chair of Senate Forests and Public Land Management Subcommittee. Ask them to stop the Forest Service's planned National Pass and to end the Fee Demo program. Please print your name and address very clearly! Congressman Scott McInnis DC Fax 202-225-0521 Sen. Larry Craig DC Fax 202-228-1067 If you find the fax lines busy, try in the evening or try their District Office fax numbers: Sen. Larry Craig, Boise, ID (208) 343-2458 Congressman Scott McInnis, Glenwood Springs, CO, (970) 928-0630 TIMELINE? There's no deadline for this fax alert; keep sending them through March! BACKGROUND, INCLUDING THE FOREST SERVICE'S 2.11.03 INTERNAL MEMO ON THE PROPOSED NATIONAL PASS Beginning in mid-April the Forest Service will begin implementing the key elements of the Administration's Fee Demo permanent legislation of 2002. Although this legislation was not even introduced in Congress last year due to overwhelming opposition both from Congress and the public, the Forest Service is implementing these changes now, administratively. The Recreational Fee Demonstration Program is set to expire in October 2004 and Congress seems unwilling to grant permanent authorization to National Forest fees. The three key elements that will take effect in April are: 1) Basic Fees-These fees will be charged for all National Forest lands where fees are currently charged - and future Fee Demo sites. These sites include picnic tables, trailheads, and unimproved areas such as areas covered by the Northwest Forest Pass, California's Adventure Pass and Arizona's Red Rock Pass. The concept of "Basic Fees" expands the present practice of user and parking fees, to include entrance fees for the public's use of their National Forests. 2) Expanded Fee-Expanded Fees are charged on top of and in addition to "Basic Fees". These fees include not just campgrounds and interpretive programs, but backcountry activities such as mountain climbing as well. 3) National Passes-for the first time the Forest Service will begin honoring all National Park Passes. This revenue sharing scheme is meant to create a National Pass for entrance onto all public lands. In a Forest Service internal memo (see below) dated February 11th Recreation Fee Demonstration Program Leader Teri Cleeland stated that one of the primary reasons the Forest Service is making these changes now is that "legislation may force action that is unfavorable for all agencies. This step forward could alter that the possibility". Robert Funkhouser, President of the Western Slope No-Fee Coalition, a group that opposes the program, states "these changes by the Forest Service are meant not just to influence Congress but to tie Congress's hands in dealing with this unpopular program. More and more members of the House and Senate are opposing the continuation of the Fee Demo program on National Forests. Selling National Passes in April for entrance into millions of acres of public lands when Fee Demo may be terminated by August is unethical and unwarranted. These public lands belong to the American public and taxpayers shouldn't have to buy a National Pass to walk or drive on their own lands." "Fee Demo was started as an appropriations rider in 1996 and has been extended three times through the appropriations process" says No-Fee co-founder Kitty Benzar."There has never been public input or congressional debating on the merits of the program. And now the Forest Service takes it on their own to implement a new National Pass. The public does not support Fee Demo. It is time that Congress puts an end to the program once and for all. Again, please contact the above listed legislators and ask them to stop the Forest Service from implementing these changes. Please also write the editor of your local paper. The Forest Service memo is attached. Thank you, Yours, Alasdair Coyne, Keep Sespe Wild, (805) 921-0618 PO Box 715 Ojai, CA 93024 (Our thanks to the Western Slope No Fee Coalition.) ==============begin forwarded==================== From Teri Cleeland: To: Subject: Rec. Fee Sites Golden Passport Changes coming in April 02/11/2003 01:19 Over the past couple of weeks there has been a flurry of e-mail and information regarding changes to the Golden Passport Program in 2003. A field-based Taskforce has been working on this proposal for several months, and, with approval by the Interagency Recreation Fee Leadership Council, we are now ready to move forward. I want to summarize what is planned. In April 2003, the Forest Service will begin honoring Golden Passports (Eagle, Age, and Access) at all "basic" recreation fee sites. Basic recreation fees cover access to the primary attraction where fees are charged, such as entrance into national monuments, national recreation areas, and significantly developed day-use recreation sites such as picnic sites, trailheads, visitor centers, low development boat ramps and high impact recreation areas. This includes sites covered by the Northwest Forest Pass (R6), Adventure Pass (R5), Red Rocks Pass (R3), the Region 8 Annual Pass, and other local programs. Campgrounds, developed boat launches, and concessionaire operations will continue to accept passes under current rules (no Golden Eagle accepted, 50% reduction for Golden Age/Access holders). No passes will be honored for other types of recreation fees, such as permits (including for managed OHV areas), cabin rentals, reservation services, tours, and Heritage Expeditions. Until now, Golden Eagle (or National Park Passes with a hologram upgrade), Golden Age, and Golden Access passes provided free entry to National Park sites National Wildlife Refuges, and other federal sites, but only to a few National Forest fee sites. Our visitors found this to be inconsistent and frustrating, as noted in a November 2001 General Accounting Office audit. This action broadens the concept of "entrance" fees to include those fee sites that provide a basic recreation experience, as opposed to more specialized sites like campgrounds. The Updated 2/10/03 "Refeathering" document captures the overall program changes and an overall timeline for implementation in the next 90 days. I have attached it here again for your information. Thanks to everyone who has already commented on the "Refeathering" document. The Taskforce has received many thoughtful comments regarding planned changes. They focus in three key areas: potential loss of revenue, pass purchaser confusion, and revenue distribution. Many of the comments received will be addressed in a Q and A document that will be updated throughout implementation. The Team will continue to accept and incorporate comments. Send any comments to <a href="mailto:Goldens@mymethow.com.">Goldens@mymethow.com.</a> Understandably, some employees are concerned about the impacts of this decision on projects, revenues, and customer service. Let me summarize the key reasons that the Forest Service is making these changes and why we are doing so now: 1. This change is in response to the public's request for a simpler/interagency fee program. 2. It is a program people are already familiar with. Using and modifying products already in existence makes more sense than creating a new product. (Saves money, time, resources, minimizes confusion) 3. Because it is a known product, it's a logical place to begin moving toward interagency efforts and creating a more sensible means of implementing Recreation Fee collection. 4. The pass cost remains the same, but value is increased, which means increased benefit/savings for the public. 5. Site of sale receives 80% of the revenue, with 20% redistributed based on criteria. 6. This is a positive step toward influencing public and Congressional favor regarding the Recreation Fee Program. 7. Legislation may force action that is unfavorable for all agencies. This step forward could alter that as a possibility and be instrumental in shaping the future of the Recreation Fee Program. Please continue to provide feedback and input as implementation begins; we listen and adjust wherever possible. You can now send your comments directly to <a href="mailto:Goldens@mymethow.com;">Goldens@mymethow.com;</a> the site is checked frequently so that concerns can be addressed quickly through implementation. Your name will be added to the mailing list. Thank you for your contributions to making the recreation fee program better than ever. Please forward this message to anyone you think might be interested. I plan to provide occasional updates on our progress in the coming weeks. (See attached file: Refeathering the Golden Passports_02.10.03.doc) Teri Cleeland Program Leader, Recreation Fee Demonstration USDA Forest Service, RHWR, 4 Central, Stop 1125 201 14th St., SW Washington, DC 20024 202-205-1169 (voice) 202-205-1145 (fax) "Refeathering" the Golden Eagle - Golden Age and Golden Access Programs Revised February 10, 2003 Highlights of the Revised Golden Passport Program ? Timeline. Key Action Next 90 Days Approximate Date Letters to RF's and Regional Rec. Directors from the Chief and Rec. Director announcing changes 2/18 Articles in FS Today, Fee Demo memo Feb, Mar. Weekly Field e-mail updates Beginning 2/10 Talking Points sent to the field 2/14 Employee Info Packet sent to field. Includes: Q&A, Info sheets on changes, How to sell a pass, revenue distribution, compliance, examples of signs First week of March Products distributed to field. Plastic hang tags, brochures, Passports, signs Mid March Employee Training Mid March - mid April Public Announcement Early - mid April 1800 Number and Web Site operational Mid April If you have questions or comments please send them to <a href="mailto:Goldens@mymethow.com">sespewild@earthlink.net">sespewild@earthlink.net</a> (805) 921-0618 PO Box 715 Ojai, CA 93024 (Our thanks to the Western Slope No Fee Coalition.) ==============begin forwarded==================== From Teri Cleeland: To: Subject: Rec. Fee Sites Golden Passport Changes coming in April 02/11/2003 01:19 Over the past couple of weeks there has been a flurry of e-mail and information regarding changes to the Golden Passport Program in 2003. A field-based Taskforce has been working on this proposal for several months, and, with approval by the Interagency Recreation Fee Leadership Council, we are now ready to move forward. I want to summarize what is planned. In April 2003, the Forest Service will begin honoring Golden Passports (Eagle, Age, and Access) at all "basic" recreation fee sites. Basic recreation fees cover access to the primary attraction where fees are charged, such as entrance into national monuments, national recreation areas, and significantly developed day-use recreation sites such as picnic sites, trailheads, visitor centers, low development boat ramps and high impact recreation areas. This includes sites covered by the Northwest Forest Pass (R6), Adventure Pass (R5), Red Rocks Pass (R3), the Region 8 Annual Pass, and other local programs. Campgrounds, developed boat launches, and concessionaire operations will continue to accept passes under current rules (no Golden Eagle accepted, 50% reduction for Golden Age/Access holders). No passes will be honored for other types of recreation fees, such as permits (including for managed OHV areas), cabin rentals, reservation services, tours, and Heritage Expeditions. Until now, Golden Eagle (or National Park Passes with a hologram upgrade), Golden Age, and Golden Access passes provided free entry to National Park sites National Wildlife Refuges, and other federal sites, but only to a few National Forest fee sites. Our visitors found this to be inconsistent and frustrating, as noted in a November 2001 General Accounting Office audit. This action broadens the concept of "entrance" fees to include those fee sites that provide a basic recreation experience, as opposed to more specialized sites like campgrounds. The Updated 2/10/03 "Refeathering" document captures the overall program changes and an overall timeline for implementation in the next 90 days. I have attached it here again for your information. Thanks to everyone who has already commented on the "Refeathering" document. The Taskforce has received many thoughtful comments regarding planned changes. They focus in three key areas: potential loss of revenue, pass purchaser confusion, and revenue distribution. Many of the comments received will be addressed in a Q and A document that will be updated throughout implementation. The Team will continue to accept and incorporate comments. Send any comments to <a href="mailto:Goldens@mymethow.com.">Goldens@mymethow.com.</a> Understandably, some employees are concerned about the impacts of this decision on projects, revenues, and customer service. Let me summarize the key reasons that the Forest Service is making these changes and why we are doing so now: 1. This change is in response to the public's request for a simpler/interagency fee program. 2. It is a program people are already familiar with. Using and modifying products already in existence makes more sense than creating a new product. (Saves money, time, resources, minimizes confusion) 3. Because it is a known product, it's a logical place to begin moving toward interagency efforts and creating a more sensible means of implementing Recreation Fee collection. 4. The pass cost remains the same, but value is increased, which means increased benefit/savings for the public. 5. Site of sale receives 80% of the revenue, with 20% redistributed based on criteria. 6. This is a positive step toward influencing public and Congressional favor regarding the Recreation Fee Program. 7. Legislation may force action that is unfavorable for all agencies. This step forward could alter that as a possibility and be instrumental in shaping the future of the Recreation Fee Program. Please continue to provide feedback and input as implementation begins; we listen and adjust wherever possible. You can now send your comments directly to <a href="mailto:Goldens@mymethow.com;">Goldens@mymethow.com;</a> the site is checked frequently so that concerns can be addressed quickly through implementation. Your name will be added to the mailing list. Thank you for your contributions to making the recreation fee program better than ever. Please forward this message to anyone you think might be interested. I plan to provide occasional updates on our progress in the coming weeks. (See attached file: Refeathering the Golden Passports_02.10.03.doc) Teri Cleeland Program Leader, Recreation Fee Demonstration USDA Forest Service, RHWR, 4 Central, Stop 1125 201 14th St., SW Washington, DC 20024 202-205-1169 (voice) 202-205-1145 (fax) "Refeathering" the Golden Eagle - Golden Age and Golden Access Programs Revised February 10, 2003 Highlights of the Revised Golden Passport Program ? Timeline. Key Action Next 90 Days Approximate Date Letters to RF's and Regional Rec. Directors from the Chief and Rec. Director announcing changes 2/18 Articles in FS Today, Fee Demo memo Feb, Mar. Weekly Field e-mail updates Beginning 2/10 Talking Points sent to the field 2/14 Employee Info Packet sent to field. Includes: Q&A, Info sheets on changes, How to sell a pass, revenue distribution, compliance, examples of signs First week of March Products distributed to field. Plastic hang tags, brochures, Passports, signs Mid March Employee Training Mid March - mid April Public Announcement Early - mid April 1800 Number and Web Site operational Mid April If you have questions or comments please send them to <a href="mailto:Goldens@mymethow.com ? Key Terms: o Basic Fee. Fees for the use of basic recreation services and facilities such as entrance into national monuments and recreation areas and (upon implementation of this proposal) significantly developed day-use recreation sites such as picnic sites, trailheads, and boat ramp parking and high impact recreation areas. The fee is typically implemented on a per vehicle basis. o Expanded Fee. A fee that covers specialized outdoor recreation sites and services such as campgrounds, cabin rentals, climbing, river use, and interpretive programs. Fees are collected at point-of-service. ? Golden Eagle Passports will be sold for $65 and honored at all FS, NPS, BLM, and FWS sites charging entrance fees. In addition, the Golden Eagle Passport will be honored at FS sites charging "basic fees" as described in the Blueprint. Local, regional and multi-forest passes for day and annual use may also continue to be sold. The Golden Eagle Passport does not provide a 50% discount for campground or other "expanded fee" services. Concessionaires operating "basic" or "expanded" fee sites are not required to honor the Golden Eagle Passport. ? Golden Age and Access Passports. Golden Age Passports will continue to be sold as lifetime passes for $10 each. Golden Access Passports will continue to be free lifetime passes. These passes will be honored at all FS, NPS, BLM, and FWS sites charging entrance fees. In addition, Golden Age and Golden Access Passports will be honored at FS sites charging "basic fees" as described in the Blueprint, and will continue to be honored for a 50% discount on "expanded fees" at campgrounds and developed boat launches. Concessionaires operating "basic fee" sites and "expanded fee" campground and developed boat launches generally will provide a 50% discount to holders of Golden Age or Golden Access Passports (subject to the provisions contained within individual special use authorizations). Discounts will not apply to other "expanded fee" sites, such as: o Facility or equipment rentals (cabins, lookouts, group day-use or overnight sites) o Special conservation programs (such as heritage expeditions and tours) o Transportation systems o Reservation services o Personal use permits and motorized use permits (for managed OHV areas). ? Passport Design. The existing Passports will continue to be used (currently a wallet card). At locations utilizing a vehicle-based compliance program, the pass will be displayed in the front window of the vehicle. (Plastic holders to facilitate this display will be provided to all field units for free distribution.) Where the fee system is not vehicle-based (e.g. some visitor centers), the holder may simply carry the card and display it upon request. Procedures must be developed to address how passes are displayed on open-top vehicles and motorcycles, or where wristbands or other "wearable" passes are in use. ? Sales. Passports will be available from FS units that have fee sites that will honor the Golden Eagle . Agreements with local vendors may be established to sell the Golden Eagle Passport. A third party, centralized vendor for Golden Eagle Passports will be established to provide Internet and 1-800 phone sales. Each vendor will handle receipts and fulfillment. ? Revenue Distribution. Eighty percent of revenues generated from Golden Eagle/Age Passport sales will be retained at the point of sale. The remaining 20% will be added to 100% of revenues generated by centralized sales. These funds will be redistributed using a weighted formula based on each Region's percentage of fee demo receipts (50%), visitation (25%), and the percentage of deferred maintenance (25%). ? Expenditures. Regional boards will allocate revenues to be expended on project categories addressed in the fee demo legislation. Each regional board may elect the process used to allocate funds. ? Marketing and Communications. Passport products will be visible at all FS offices. All FS Internet sites will offer information and a link to the centralized vendor. The third party vendor will provide prominent web and 1-800 sales presence. Information on the expanded Golden Passport program will be added to the existing Federal Recreation Pass Programs brochure. Training for FS front liners will be provided, including Question & Answer resources. Information regarding the Golden Passport program may be added to local FS publications, newsletters and mailings. A news release template will be provided for local use. Comparison of Golden Passport Programs Table 1. Summary of Current Benefits Entrance Fee Basic Fee Sites Expanded Fee Sites Golden Eagle Yes No No Golden Age Yes 50% discount 50% discount for campgrounds and developed boat launches Golden Access Yes 50% discount 50% discount for campgrounds and developed boat launches Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glen Posted March 18, 2003 Share Posted March 18, 2003 As always, if you want to write to your representative, it is quick and easy to do so online. They do actually read these and reply. (See the Cantwell on Fee Demo thread). Write to your Representative here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cj001f Posted March 19, 2003 Share Posted March 19, 2003 It depends on the representative, glen. Mine (when I lived in VA), sent an e-mail form response 2 weeks later saying that they'd catalogued my message. When I wrote a response that I thought e-mail form responses 2 weeks later were a bit insulting, and they should just not bother to respond, I received the same e-mail form response (2 weeks later). The response by phone is usually better (they have an intern whose job it is to catalogue the preferences of the constituents who call) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldclimber Posted April 18, 2003 Share Posted April 18, 2003 I stopped into the Tacoma REI store today to inquire at costomer service about the fee demo changes coming in April and of course they knew nothing. I asked them to call the Seattle store to see if the forest service person was at the desk in the map and book dept. I spoke with a forest service worker on the phone. This is what I was told; Starting today, the Golden Eagle Passport ($65.00) will continue to allow unlimited visits to national parks for a year and will also serve as a trailhead pass for national forests in Washington and Oregon. It will NOT be a valid trailhead pass in other states nor will it cover other user fees in Wa. and Or. such as the "Volcano Pass" required to climb Adams and St. Helens. When I asked why not, she exclaimed "oh those are completely different deals". When I asked why a national pass only allowed me to park at trailheads in two states, she did not have an answer. I asked her if at her next staff meeting she would share our conversation and indicate this citizen sees very little change here and that I will continue to contact my senators and representatives to end fee demo altogether. My bet is she won't. For $65.00 ,a pass that got me into the National parks and covered the fees at all national forests might start softening my resistence to this foolishness. I should have known better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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