You may have to start paying more to visit several camping and recreation sites in the Red River Gorge and other popular Eastern Kentucky locations.
The U.S. Forest Service has proposed a new vehicle fee at 22 recreation sites in the Daniel Boone National Forest and increases to some existing campsite fees to fund operation and quality of popular recreation campsites, trails and boat ramps in the 709,000-acre forest.
“The proposed changes will help us enhance the visitor experience and protect natural resources at popular sites,” H. Scott Ray, Daniel Boone National Forest supervisor, said in a May 15 press release.
Site fees last increased in 2022, leading the Forest to collect $500,000 annually.
Tim Eling, Daniel Boone National Forest public affairs staff officer, said if the proposed changes are approved, fee revenue is estimated to increase to $1 million across the forest.
The forest service is seeking public comment on the changes through July 31. A resource advisory committee will then review the proposed changes and submit its recommendation to the regional forester for final decision. If approved, the fee changes could be implemented anytime after the end of the year.
“Your voice does matter, and we value your input,” Shane Hoskins, Daniel Boone National Forest developed recreation program manager, said Thursday in a virtual public meeting about the proposal.
Which recreation sites are included in the proposal?
19 Red River Gorge sites in the Cumberland Ranger District may see fees. They are:
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Archaic
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Auxier Ridge Trailhead
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Bison Way
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Chimney Top Overlook and Trailhead
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East Fork Indian Creek 2
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Ft. Ancient
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Grays Arch Picnic Area
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Half Moon Trailhead
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Indian Creek
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Martins Fork
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Osborne Bend Trailhead
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Paleo
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Pioneer
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Rock Bridge Recreation Area
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Sandstone
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Sky Bridge Recreation Area
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Stanton Sheltowee
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Tarr Kiln
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Woodland
Three London Ranger District boat ramps may also see fee increases:
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Hightop
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Mouth of Laurel
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Rockcastle
How much would I have to pay at these recreation sites?
The proposed changes include adding fees of $5 per day, $7 for three days and $50 annually per vehicle for the 22 included trails and boat ramps that are currently free.
The proposal also includes shifting the existing fees for camping in the Gorge from paying per vehicle to paying per campsite.
Fees would change to $10 a night per single backcountry campsite, $15 a night per single-front country campsite, $35 a night per 20-person group campsite and $55 a night per 30-person group campsite. These fees currently are $5 per day, $7 per three days and $50 annually per vehicle.
How can I submit a public comment on the fee changes?
Comments can be made online or through comment cards available at the Daniel Boone National Forest offices during business hours. Any questions not included in the frequently asked questions section online can be sent to sm.fs.dbnfrecfees@usda.gov.
A public meeting will be held June 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Powell County Lions Club to answer any questions and discuss the proposal in person.
Do you have a question about recreation in Kentucky for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.
This story was originally published May 29, 2024, 12:48 PM.
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