2025 Fee Retention - Where Should Special Use Permit Fees be Invested?

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 21:13:05 GMT

Beginning 10 years after the enactment of the Cabin Fee Act (CFA), in 2025, all fees from the Recreation Residence Program will be retained and expended by the USFS. The bill further directs the USFS to use the funds for administering the Recreation Residence Program and other recreation programs using National Forest lands.

Your voice is important in determining how these fees will be spent. What are the priorities in your cabin tract? In your forest?

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 21:57:09 GMT

The one mile of dirt road from a paved road to my tract is in great need of improvement. It is almost not passable with a passenger car. The dirt road (FS345) continues on for about 3 miles providing access to another tract--and to 3 trailheads for hiking/horseback trails in the Nat. Forest. Over that distance there are several other bad spots but most of them are concentrated in the 1st mile.

Mon, 3 Aug 2020 20:23:45 GMT

Same thoughts for the road into Aspencreek Tract in Eldorado Forest. It's progressively gotten worse over the years and no FS maintenance has been done.

Wed, 5 Aug 2020 18:12:43 GMT

While I believe that roads and adequate FS personnel to manage permits are important priorities, the overriding priority for me is fire prevention. That could be more forest thinning or other things. Fire is the greatest danger to our cabins.

Thu, 6 Aug 2020 01:27:47 GMT

The most important priority for me is fire road access. There used to be one, but USFS has failed to maintain it.

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 22:49:00 GMT

We have spoken with our District Ranger about our cabin access "roads". He says the best way is to have them permitted with the appropriate maintenance and repair guidelines. This will take time and money for NEPA. The CFA monies could help towards this end. Forest fuels reduction is also important. Trail maintenance would be helpful since many cabins spend much time hiking in the forest.

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 17:57:32 GMT

I concur with D. Seibert that fire prevention is the number one priority. That goal also has the advantage of not being simply for the interests of the tract owners but for the American people who own the forests. I urge that we think broadly about the funds, and not simply in our direct interest. Projects should benefit us and prove good for the public. Trails might be an example of this. Stewardship of the forest, and not simply of our tracts, gives evidence that we care about the great national resource we enjoy.

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 20:36:28 GMT

I concur with D. Seibert that fire prevention is the number one priority.

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 00:19:01 GMT

Fire is our greatest threat. We need comprehensive EVACUATION plans. This would benefit cabin owners and casual users alike.

Sat, 8 Oct 2022 14:54:15 GMT

Would love the USFS to develop a streamline process for Permit Amendment process. Here in TN it takes on average 6-9 months to get an amendment approved.