The pass includes a tag which must be hung on vehicle's rear-view mirror. Phase one of the U.S. Forest Service's user fee program started last April in the Red River Gorge, a popular area with hikers in the Stanton Ranger District, where vandalism and vehicle break-ins have occurred in the past. Passes will be available for purchase at local businesses near the recreation areas and Forest Service offices. Revenues generated from the program have been used in the Red River Gorge to maintain and improve information boards, trash receptacles, trails and to increase law enforcement patrols. This program will help us meet those needs,'' said Worthington.
User fees are nothing new to national forests.
They have been in place across the country for the past six years to help offset declining budgets. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution, or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the expressed written consent of the Lexington Herald-Leader is prohibited.