U.S. Forest Service proposes recreation fee changes on the Uwharrie National Forest

Release Date: 

Contact(s): Adrianne Rubiaco, 828-257-4853


Asheville, NC - April 22, 2019 - The U.S. Forest Service is proposing to change recreation fees at three areas on the Uwharrie National Forest and has opened an official comment period from April 22 to May 31, 2019.

The goal of the changes is to establish a consistent fee approach for the National Forests in North Carolina and to improve visitor experiences through site upgrades paid for by the collected fees.

Current prices at many forest sites have remained static for over a decade and have not kept pace with other recreation sites with similar services and amenities. In addition, many sites have received various improvements and upgrades.

"Collections from fees stay at the local level to pay for future and backlog maintenance and improvements on existing trails as well as new recreation opportunities. Increased fees will help us to meet our goal of providing safe, well maintained and sustainable recreation for the public to enjoy." said Michael Spisak, District Ranger on the Uwharrie Ranger District.

These fee changes are only proposed. After public comments are received, the Forest will assess the comments and concerns and then present the fee proposals to the Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC).

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004 allows the Forest Service to keep 80-95 percent of fees collected to operate, maintain, and improve the recreation sites.

The proposed fee changes are:

Campgrounds

Yates Place Camp - new $10 per night fee*

*As proposed, this fee would be implemented after site improvements are complete.

Day Use Areas

Kings Mountain Point - new $5 per vehicle fee or $30 annual pass**

**Fee is waived for visitors that have paid for a campsite at any of the Uwharrie campgrounds during their duration of stay.

Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trails

Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex - increase from $5 to $15 per vehicle per day, and $30 to $60 annual pass***

***As proposed, these fees will be phased-in over a two year period.

For more information visit our webpage  hhttps://fs.usda.gov/goto/nfsnc/recfeeproposal

To provide comments about this fee proposal for the RRAC to consider, contact Logan Free at 828-257-4256, by email at NFsNCfeeproposals@fs.fed.us, or by mail at:

ATTN: Recreation Fee Proposals

160A Zillicoa Street

Asheville, NC 28801