The Lassen National Forest is proposing fee changes at certain recreation sites across the forest. Over 70% of day-use sites, overnight camping sites, and other recreation sites are managed without user fees currently on the forest.
The proposed fees by site and Ranger District are listed in the below tables.
The forest is also proposing a fee increase from $10 per Christmas Tree to $20 per Christmas Tree. Trees must be less than 20 feet in height and less than 8 inches around measured at the base.
A Christmas Tree Permit packet including maps, rules and guidelines will be available for purchase at district offices and select vendors. Fourth grade students who participate in Every Kid Outdoors program can obtain a free Christmas tree permit.
“Christmas tree permits give visitors a chance to go with friends and family on to public lands and find the perfect Christmas tree for the holiday season” said Janie Ackley, Recreation Program Manager for the Lassen National Forest.
In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act which allows the Forest Service to retain funds collected at certain recreation sites and Christmas Tree permits.
At least eighty percent of the revenue from recreation fees remains on the forests to operate, maintain, and improve facilities. Funds collected for Christmas Tree permits will be used to help offices stay open longer and, on the weekends to sell the permits, provide interpretive services and staffing during the tree cutting season.
Under REA, all new fees and any fee changes must be proposed and approved by a Resource Advisory Committee. Committee members represent a broad array of recreation interest groups to help ensure that the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable new fees and fee changes.
The public is invited to comment on the proposed fee changes to the developed recreation program. The comment period is set to end by close of business on November 1, 2023.
To ensure that your comments are considered, please send your comments no later than the above date to Lassen National Forest, Attention: Janie Ackley, 2550 Riverside Drive, Susanville, CA 96130 or [email protected]. You can also electronically send comments here.
Oral comments must be provided in person at the Lassen National Forest during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) or by calling 530-257-2151 and indicating you would like to provide comments on the proposed recreation fee changes. For more information on the proposed project, visit LNF’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/lassen.
Once public involvement is complete, the proposed fee changes will be reviewed by a Recreation Resource Advisory Committee during their Fall/Winter 2023/2024 meeting, who will submit their recommendation to the Regional Forester for a final decision.
