Fee Changes at Developed Recreation Sites

Recreation Facilities Analysis

The Umatilla National Forest conducted an analysis (Recreation Facilities Analysis) of its recreation facilities in response to changes in funding, demographics and public use.

As in so many places, operating budgets have been flat or are declining while operating costs have been increasing. Recreation use has been on the rise, yet facilities are aging and are in need of basic maintenance and improvements. Changes are needed to help ensure the forest continues to provide the high quality recreation opportunities that people have come to expect.

In response to this analysis, the forest has identified increasing fees at 25 campgrounds and recreational cabin rentals. Several fee changes were implemented in the summer of 2008. To view those fee changes visit: 2008 fee schedule.

In 2009 the forest will implement fees at four campgrounds (Ladybug, Midway, Panjab, Winom) and begin requiring a recreation pass at eight trailheads (Elk Flats, Meadow Creek, Panjab, Teepee, Three Forks, Timothy, Tucannon, Twin Buttes.)

Additional recreation sites will be phased into the fee program over the next several years in order to help cover the costs of operation and maintenances. To view a complete list of new sites and fee changes visit sites/fee changes.

What are fees used for?

80-95 percent of these funds collected at recreation fee sites will remain on the forest and those funds will be used locally to help operate, maintain and improve facilities to meet health, safety and accessibility standards.

In addition to helping fund day-to-day operations, many improvements have been made with fee revenues that likely would not otherwise have been possible. For example were investing:

• over $100,000 renovating facilities at Olive Lake Campground this summer. Visitors will be able to enjoy new toilets, picnic tables, grills and an accessible boat dock.
• over $170,000 at Jubilee Lake Campground installing a new septic system, flush and vault toilets.
• over 100,000 at Bull Prairie Campground for new vault toilets, picnic tables and grills.
• over $50,000 at Ditch Creek rental cabin for a new roof, floor, paint and furniture.

What's next?

• Over the next two years, fee changes will take place at 51 recreation fee sites on the forest.
• Fees will be increased at 13 existing campgrounds effective August 15, 2008.
• Fee increases at Jubilee Lake Campground will take place in 2009
• No fee increases are proposed at Bull Prairie Campground
• Fee increases at the 11 existing cabin rentals will take place once the changes are made with the reservation system. Two new cabins will be added to the program (Miner’s Retreat, Tucannon G.S.) We expect the new prices/new sites to take effect early to mid Sept. Reservations made before the fee changes will be honored at the current rate.
• Next spring, we will begin to charge new fees at 24 sites (12 trailheads, 12 campgrounds.)

Let us hear from you!

We're interested in what you have to say! Your comments help us shape forest programs like the recreation fee program. Feel free to e-mail us at r6 umatilla public inquiries @ fs.fed.us. Or, write or call any Umatilla National Forest Office.