Recreation
- Details
- Written by: USDA Forest Service
WASHINGTON, DC – USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell has announced his decision not to implement proposed changes to fees charged to holders of passes at Forest Service campgrounds operated by private businesses.
The chief's decision means seniors and people with disabilities will continue to receive a discount at Forest Service campgrounds run by private concessions.
The Forest Service had proposed changes to discounts provided to holders of Golden Age and Golden Access Passports and Senior and Access Passes.
Under the proposal, discounts at concession-operated campgrounds would have changed from the current 50 percent to 10 percent.
After considering many public comments, the chief determined the proposed changes are not the best way to address growing challenges regarding services provided by private businesses at Forest Service recreation facilities.
"Each year more than 175 million people enjoy recreational opportunities on National Forests and Grasslands, and that includes more than 15 million visits to our campgrounds," said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. "Particularly in these difficult economic times, it is very important to maintain affordable access to our National Forests and Grasslands, giving people easy ways to recreate and find respite in the great outdoors."
The chief's decision leaves in place a 50 percent discount at campgrounds run by private concessions for holders of Golden Age and Golden Access Passports and Interagency Senior and Access Passes.
Concessioners are not required to accept passes at day use sites. Seniors age 62 and older pay a one-time $10 fee for the Senior Pass. Lifetime Access Passes for people with disabilities are free.
The Forest Service conducted a 60-day public notice and comment period on the proposed changes. More than 4,000 comments were received.
The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of National Forest System land, provides stewardship assistance to non-federal forest landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.
For more information, visit: www.fs.fed.us .
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News Reports
LeValley has been photographing nature for over 40 years. He is a founding member of the Mendocino Coast Photographer Guild and Gallery at 301 Main Street in Fort Bragg where his work can be seen.
LeValley will share his knowledge and pictures of the birds and animals of Hokkaido, Japan, where he traveled in February of 2009.
The Pacific Seabird Group held their annual meeting there, which Ron attended and then traveled on a week long field trip to the northern portion of Honshu to see Japanese Monkeys and other wildlife. Ron will share some of the ecological and environmental stories of these and other species illustrated with his fine photographs.
The photographer will share pictures of the Red-crowned Crane, Steller’s and White-tailed Sea Eagles, Whooper Swans, and more.
LeValley serves as Treasurer of the Pacific Seabird Group and is an associate editor of Western Birds, the journal of the Western Field Ornithologists. One of his outstanding attributes is sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with others.
The public is warmly invited to what promises to be a great presentation.
For more information about the Redbud Audubon Society and its upcoming Heron Festival, go to www.redbudaudubon.org .
The society will also be hosting a field trip on Saturday, March 20, at the Clear Lake State Park in Kelseyville. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Visitor Center parking lot at the park to enjoy an interesting and fun nature walk.
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