[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 11, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59718-59719]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-8591]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


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

AGENCY: Chugach National Forest, USDA Forest Service.

ACTION: Notice of new fees.

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SUMMARY: The Chugach National Forest will begin charging fees for a 
group campsite, cabins, individual campsites, and a backcountry permit 
for the Whistle Stop project area. Fees for other group campsites, 
cabins, and individual campsites on the Chugach National Forest have 
shown that the public values the availability of these facilities. In 
addition, market research conducted for the Whistle Stop project shows 
that people understand the need for backcountry permits given the 
remote nature of the area. Fees will be commensurate with the benefits 
and services provided. Funds received from the fees will be used for 
the continued operation and maintenance of the facilities and enhanced 
services of the area.

DATES: Backcountry Permits will be available spring 2007 for the 2007 
Whistle Stop season. The group campsite, individual campsites, and 
cabins are expected to be available in 2008.

ADDRESSES: Forest Supervisor, Chugach National Forest, 3301 C Street, 
Anchorage, AK 9503.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam McClory, Whistle Stop Project 
Manager, 907-754-2352.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Recreation Lands Enhancement

[[Page 59719]]

Act (Title VII, Public Law 108-447) directed the Secretary of 
Agriculture to publish a six month advance notice in the Federal 
Register whenever new recreation fee areas are established.
    The Whistle Stop project is a partnership between the Forest 
Service and Alaska Railroad that will provide additional recreation 
opportunities using alternative transportation. This new service will 
allow the opportunity for visitors to access National Forest lands 
which were previously inaccessible to the majority of forest visitors. 
Market research demonstrates a demand for these sorts of recreation 
opportunities on the Kenai Peninsula. The Forest Service has identified 
a goal of achieving cost recovery through a combination of revenue 
sharing with the Alaska Railroad; fees from public-use cabin rentals 
and campsites; and fees obtained through backcountry permits.
    Implementation of backcountry permits, as described in the Record 
of Decision, will provide the Forest Service with the ability to 
accurately track recreation use and ensure that use levels and numbers 
of encounters are not exceeding thresholds established in the Forest 
Plan and Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) guidelines. Chugach 
National Forest goals include maintaining a backcountry social 
experience and protecting the natural and cultural resources throughout 
the area. Backcountry permits will be required for visitors utilizing 
the enhanced amenities provided through the Whistle Stop Project area. 
Amenities include a developed trail system, backcountry campsites, 
interpretive materials, and Whistle Stop stations that will include a 
shelter, restroom facilities and bear-proof food storage containers. 
Issuance of the backcountry permit will allow for better public safety 
and result in improved visitor education and information about proper 
camping techniques, fir prevention, safety in bear country, and 
sanitation. Members of the public are welcome to comment.

    Dated: October 4, 2006.
Joe Meade,
Chugach National Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 06-8591 Filed 10-10-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M