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Repeal unfair federal use fees

Batch Data Processor | Tuesday, Jan 1 2008 8:40 PM

Last Updated: Tuesday, Jan 1 2008 8:42 PM

It's about time! Finally an ax is being placed at the throat of a "demonstration project" that has discouraged Americans from using their public lands and unfairly burdened outdoors lovers.

Two Western senators Republicans Mike Crapo of Idaho and Max Baucus of Montana have introduced the Fee Repeal and Expanded Access Act of 2007. Their SB 2438 would block the U.S. Forest Service and other federal agencies from charging fees or increasing fees for use of public land.

It would revoke the authority Congress gave to charge a so-called recreational access fee.

While it would not revoke entrance fees charged at national parks, it would halt National Park Service plans to increase entrance fees automatically every three years. It would require congressional approval of future entrance fee increases. The $50 National Parks pass would be reinstated and the current $80 America the Beautiful pass would be removed.

SB 2438 would return the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation to 1965 rules that had governed public land use for more than three decades. These allowed fees to be charged only for use of improved campgrounds and specialty facilities, such as boat launches.

It would discontinue charging Americans who merely stopped at wayside exhibits, overlooks, visitor centers, roads , scenic drives, toilet facilities and picnic tables in national forests, such as Los Padres and Sequoia national forests that border Kern County.

These fees began as a two-year limited "demonstration project" in 1996 to help support cash-starved federal public parks and forests. It was expanded over the years, with congressional oversight of fees taken away.

"Forest fees have for 10 years been a burden on the American public that owns these lands," said Alasdair Coyne, conservation director of the Ventura County-based Keep Sespe Wild.

"Americans already pay to use their public lands on April 15," said Baucus, one of the bill's authors. "We shouldn't be taxed twice to go fishing, hiking, or camping on our public lands."

Since its inception the access fee has been controversial. It is also blamed for a decline if park and forest use. Park Service visitation has fallen an estimated 5 percent since 2000 and Forest Service visitation has fallen 25.7 percent.

"As an outdoorsman and legislator, I have always supported fair and reasonable access to our nation's public lands," said Crapo of Idaho. "Mandatory user fees for access to many of those lands limits accessibility to those who can afford the cost and results in a 'pay-to-play' system that is unacceptable."

Both Crapo and Baucus pledge to work vigorously to repeal the unfair and unpopular fees. They also pledge to work equally as hard to convince Congress to increase financial support for the national forests and parks.

Congress should support efforts to drop the fees and increase support for our public lands.