Author: Tracy Bringhurst
Published: 12:30 PM MDT June 30, 2025
MCCALL, Idaho — The Payette National Forest announced on Monday that it is proposing changes to recreation fees at various sites throughout the forest, with public comments open through September 15.
Forest Supervisor Matthew Davis stated that the fees are crucial for maintaining high-quality recreation experiences.
“We recognize how important our recreation areas are to local communities and visitors of the Payette National Forest,” Davis said. “Recreation fees are a critical funding source that helps us provide clean, safe, and accessible recreation opportunities.”
Even with the proposed changes, more than 52% of forest recreation sites would remain free to use, according to the Forest Service.
The 2004 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act allows the Forest Service to retain at least 80% of collected recreation fees for local use in operating, maintaining and improving sites. Revenue would help fund infrastructure improvements and additional seasonal recreation staff.
The Forest Service said recreation fees help provide quality opportunities that meet modern visitor expectations while creating a more financially sustainable program for future generations.
The public can submit comments through Sept. 15 by mail to Payette National Forest, Attention: Emily Simpson, 500 North Mission Street, McCall, Idaho 83638. Comments are also accepted online.
Oral comments can be provided in person to Simpson during business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by calling 208-634-0700.
After public comment closes, the proposed fee changes will be reviewed by a citizens’ advisory committee representing various recreation interest groups. The committee will submit recommendations to the Regional Forester for a final decision.
More information is available here. Payette National Forest | Proposed Changes to Recreation Fees on the Payette National Forest | Forest Service
Public Commentary Period
The public is invited to provide comments on these proposed changes until September 15, 2025. This public comment period allows you to ask questions and share feedback with agency decision-makers. Your comments regarding the proposed fee change will be considered.
How to Provide Comments
To ensure that your comments are considered, please share your comments no later than September 15, 2025 using one of the methods listed below.
Online
Comments can be provided online at https://arcg.is/1eKXDW0.
Postal Mail
Utilizing the downloadable Recreation Fee Proposal Comment Form, send postal mail comments to:
Payette National Forest
Attn: Emily Simpson
500 N Mission Street, McCall, ID 83638
Oral Comments
Oral comments must be made in person at the Payette National Forest Supervisor’s Office during normal business hours (Monday- Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.), or by calling 208-634-0700 and indicating you would like to provide comments on the proposed recreation fee changes.
Comments will be accepted by email at this email address:
Please ensure to list Recreation Fee Changes in the subject line.