New recreation fees take effect throughout Mark Twain National Forest on Jan. 1

The Joplin Globe, Mo.
·2 min read

Nov. 4—New recreation fees in the 1.5-million acre Mark Twain National Forest take effect Jan. 1.

In a statement, forest managers said, "Increases in maintenance costs over the past 15 years have led to the need for the U.S.D.A. Forest Service to adjust fees at Mark Twain National Forest's developed recreation sites. ... Over time, this will also help in making improvements at multiple recreation sites in line with the Forest's recreation strategic plan. "

In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, which allows the Forest Service to retain 95% of revenue collected at recreation sites and use the funds locally to operate, maintain and improve the sites.

The Forest Service said changes were based on the level of amenities and services provided, cost of operations and maintenance and market assessments.

The following fees changes have been approved:

—Lane Spring Day Use, $5 per day.

—Lane Spring Campground, $15 per single; $25 per single electric; $30 per double.

—Lane Spring Group Day Use, $50 per day (100 people).

—Paddy Creek Campground, $15 per night.

—Pine Ridge Campground, $15 per night.

—Dry Fork Campground, $15 per night.

—Red Bluff Day Use, $5 per day.

—Red Bluff Campground, $15 per single site; $25 per single electric; $25 per double site; $35 per double electric.

—Red Bluff Group Campground, $50 for 0-50 people; $100 for 51-74 people.

—Red Bluff Group Day Use, $50 per day (74 people).

—Berryman Day Use, $5 per day.

—Berryman Campground, $15 single site.

—Berryman Group Day Use, $50 per day (74 people).

—Council Bluff Day Use, $5 per day.

—Council Bluff Campground, $15 per single site; $25 per double site.

—Council Bluff Group Campground, $50 for 1-50 people; $100 for 51-74 people.

—Council Bluff Group Day, $10 per day (20 people); $50 per day (74 people).

—Loggers Lake Day Use, $5 per day.

—Loggers Lake Campground, $15 per night.

—Marble Creek Day Use, $5 per day.

—Marble Creek Campground, $15 per night.

—Pinewoods Lake Campground, $15 per single site; $25 per double site.

—Pinewoods Lake Group Day Use, $50 per day (74 people).

—Markham Springs Day Use, $5 per day.

—Markham Springs Group Day Use, $50 per day (50 people).

—Sinking Creek Cabin, $75 per night (7 people).

—Cobb Ridge Campground, $15 per single site; $25 per double site.

—Cobb Ridge Group Campground, $75 per night (24 people).

—Chadwick OHV Riding Area (Special Recreation Permit), $10 per day; $20 for 2-day; $30 for 3-day; $60 annual pass.

—Big Bay Day Use, $5 per day.

—Bar-K Horse Camp, $10 per night.

—Noblett Lake Day Use, $5 per day.

—Noblett Lake Group Day Use, $50 per day (75 people); Day Use Annual Pass $40 per vehicle.