NEWS

From the Gifford Pinchot National Forest

10600 NE 51^st Circle, Vancouver, WA 98682

(360) 891-5000        FAX (360) 891-5010

http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             CONTACT:  Tom Knappenberger

April 1, 2004                                                                            (360)891-5005 or Roger Peterson (360) 891-5007                                                                                                                                                     

Changes to Northwest Forest Pass Program Include Fewer Sites and New Washington and Oregon Recreation Pass

 

VANCOUVER, WA – Beginning May 1, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest will reduce the number of sites that require a Northwest Forest Pass and will offer a new, multi-agency recreation pass.

 

On the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the number of sites will be reduced from 112 to 54.  Fees will be charged only in areas where higher levels of recreation development or services are provided. Rustic camping will no longer be included under a day pass or annual pass. The changes represent a significant reduction from last year in the number of recreation sites where a day-use fee is charged.  See the attached list of sites on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

 

As announced earlier, national forests in the Pacific Northwest will sell the new Washington and Oregon Recreation Pass.  In response to requests for one universal pass, seven state and federal agencies in Washington and Oregon are now collectively offering a convenient day-use recreation pass which is honored at a majority of agency sites.

 

The Washington and Oregon Recreation Pass is a $20 add-on to the existing Golden Eagle Passport ($65).  It may also be added to the National Parks Pass ($50) with the Golden Eagle Hologram ($15).   The Washington & Oregon Recreation Pass may only be purchased at federal sites and from authorized vendors.

 

Revenues from the passes will continue to go to locations based on use. Eighty percent of the fees are put back into the direct services that users say they want. As tax dollars decline, recreation passes continue to be a key source of revenue for maintaining services on public lands.  How the money is used is based on visitor feedback. Visitor surveys helped establish the spending priorities, which include maintaining trails, keeping restrooms clean and well maintained, and providing for safety and security at recreation sites.  Changes are in accordance with national policy, to the Recreation Pass program.

 

On the Gifford Pinchot National Forest last year, recreation fee dollars helped pay for more than $1.1 million worth of services and improvements including, operating and maintaining 112 recreation sites (trailheads, rustic campgrounds, picnic areas) and 345 miles of trails.  Fee dollars also expanded and improved facilities at eight rustic campgrounds.  Pass fees provided climbing services on Mt. Adams and Mount St. Helens including climbing rangers for interpretation, information, and facilitation of search and rescues.  For more information, visit the Forest fee accomplishment report online.

 

Separate fees are still required for the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument visitor centers.

 

To find out if your favorite site requires a pass, and if so which pass is the best for you, check the website or visit your local ranger station or pick-up the new site guide available in May.

 

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