Price of recreation permits to increase at Wayne National Forest

NELSONVILLE, Ohio — Starting Monday, April 1, 2008, there will be a moderate increase in the purchase price for some recreation permits to use facilities and off highway vehicle, horse and mountain bike trails on the 238,000-acre Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio.

Trail use permits will show the largest increase, with seasonal permits going from $25 to $45 per year. This allows unlimited riding from April 15-December 15, 2008. Daily passes will increase from $5 to $12, while the forest's two-day trail pass has been replaced with a three-day pass priced at $24. Camping area and picnic shelter fees will increase in most areas of the Forest's three management units in Athens, Marietta and Ironton. 

”Fee revenue remains on the forest to maintain and improve sites, and can be used with other funds, including grants, for construction and maintenance of trails, campground operation, creation and purchase of maps and brochures for visitor use, user education, and provide patrol and security at recreation sites,” said Carleen Yocum, group leader for recreation, heritage, and wildlife and botany programs in a news release.

Yocum said this is the first time in 10 years that the prices on any recreation fee areas or trails have been raised.

Earlier this year, the public was asked to provide feedback to determine what level of an increase would be acceptable to visitors. The response indicated a moderate increase would be acceptable to more than 80 percent of visitors, as long as there was a reasonable expectation of an increase in services or amenities for the recreation areas and trails.

As demand for Off-Highway Vehicles trails increases, there is a greater need to maintain trails to ensure rider safety and provide a quality riding experience. Increasing costs for maintenance is a direct result of demand, use and inflation.

An audio podcast at http://web18.streamhoster.com/bhnforest/wayne_podcast002.mp3 covering news about the fee increase and information on where permits can be obtained is available on the forest Web site at www.fs.fed.us/r9/wayne. For more information on fee increases for specific camping areas visit the Web site or call (740) 753-0101.