US Forest Service Proposes Fee Increase For Hidden Valley Campground Revenue Would Go To Improvements And Maintenance   Hot Springs, VA (August 18, 2017) - The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are interested in hearing your comments on a proposed fee increase at Hidden Valley Campground. Revenues from increased fees would help ensure these sites receive needed improvements and are maintained for years to come. The Forest Service proposes to increase the fee at Hidden Valley Campground from $10 to $15 for a single campsite. Of the recreation fees collected, 80-95 percent remain on the forest to operate, maintain and improve the facilities and programs at the recreation sites. The proposed fee changes bring the Forest fees into better alignment with private and public campgrounds, and will help the recreation sites be more financially sustainable. The last fee increase at this site occurred in 2008. If the fee proposal is approved, the increase would go into effect as early as spring 2018. “We recognize how important these sites are to our local communities and those who use the sites. These fee increases will help us maintain the sites to the level and quality people have come to expect,” said Forest Supervisor Joby Timm. This proposal will be presented before a citizen’s advisory committee, called the Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee, which helps ensure the Forest Service addresses public issues and concerns about recreation fees. The public is welcome to attend and comment at all advisory committee meetings. A decision has not been made on this proposal. We want your input! For more information visit the Forest Service website at https://www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj. Use the “contact us” feature to submit a comment. Or, share your comments by writing: George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Warm Springs Ranger District, Attn: Recreation Fee Program, 422 Forestry Road, Hot Springs, VA 24445; or email comments-southern-georgewashington-jefferson-warmsprings@fs.fed.us; or call (540) 984-4101. Comments must be received by 09/18/2017

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