[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 161 (Monday, August 21, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 48531]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-7034]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Notice of New Recreation Enhancement Act, (Title VIII, Pub. L. 
108-447)

AGENCY: Homochitto National Forest, USDA Forest Service.

ACTION: Notice of new recreation fee site.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Okhissa Lake is a recreational complex currently under 
development on the Homochitto National Forest, located near Bude, 
Mississippi. The lake will be open for use by the public for boating 
and fishing between July and November 2007. The exact opening date will 
depend on completing work on infrastructure needed to support fishing 
(restrooms, boat launch, parking lots, etc.). Other recreational day-
use activities (swimming, picnicking) will be available later as 
amenities to accommodate them are added. The Forest Service proposes to 
charge $5 per vehicle for access to all day-use activities (boat 
launching, swimming, and picnicking). Fees will not be charged until 
infrastructure needed to support an activity is available for use by 
the public. A $50 annual pass will also be available for purchase by 
the public. The annual pass would allow 12-month access to all day-use 
activities (boat launching, swimming, and picnicking). Opportunities 
for developed and primitive camping will be available in the future as 
work needed to accommodate these activities is complete. When 
available, the Forest Service will charge $13 for developed camping and 
$7 for primitive camping. Funds received from these fees will be used 
for continued operation and maintenance of the recreational complex and 
allow additional amenities to be added in the future. Funds will also 
be used to enhance or restore fisheries habitat of the lake.

DATES: Recreational boating and fishing opportunities at Okhissa Lake 
will be available to the public between July and November 2007. Other 
recreational activities described above will be available as 
infrastructure to support them is added.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Gainey, Recreation Program 
Manager, 601-965-4391, National Forests in Mississippi, 100 West 
Capitol Street, Suite 1141, Jackson, MS 39269.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Recreation Lands Enhancement Act 
(Title VII, Pub. L. 108-447) directed the Secretary of Agriculture to 
publish advance notice in the Federal Register whenever new recreation 
fee areas are established. The Homochitto National Forest currently 
manages only one other developed recreation site that provides camping, 
fishing and other day-use activities. Comparable recreational use fees 
are currently charted at this site. Development of Okhissa Lake and 
associated facilities are aimed at creating new recreational 
opportunities in an area that is economically depressed.

    Dated: August 11, 2006.
Antoine L. Dixon,
Forest Supervisor, National Forest in Mississippi.
[FR Doc. 06-7034 Filed 8-18-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M