The Siuslaw National Forest has extended the public comment period for a proposal to change recreation fees at sites across Coos, Douglas, Lane and Tillamook counties, giving residents until Sept. 18, to weigh in.
The proposal covers 19 campgrounds as well as summer holiday weekend fees at Sand Lake Recreation Area. Forest officials are asking for feedback — particularly comments specific to individual sites — that will help refine the proposal before it goes before a citizen’s advisory committee and Forest Service leadership for review.
A complete list of the affected recreation sites is available online.
The public can submit comments in three ways:
- Online through the ArcGIS story map
- By email to SM.FS.siuslaw_rec@usda.gov
- By postal mail to Siuslaw National Forest, Attn: Trevor Robinson, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331
Forest officials say the Siuslaw will continue to honor federal recreation passes, Senior and Access pass discounts, and nationally recognized fee-free days. More than 25% of recreation sites on the forest currently do not require a fee.
According to the Forest Service, recreation fees fund water system repairs, building maintenance, parking lot repaving, hazard tree removal and additional staffing during holiday weekends and special events. Officials said the proposed increases are intended to support quality recreation opportunities while making the forest’s recreation program more financially sustainable for the future.