05-04-2012, 02:58 PM
I also usually buy the Golden Eagle pass for federal lands. It is good only for entrance fees-- " The Golden Eagle Passport does NOT cover or reduce use fees, such as fees for camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, or cave tours. It is valid for entrance fees only." However the problem is the private companies and Salt Lake City ( For the national forest in Millcreek) among others decide to ignore that it's valid for entry to Federal Lands when they are manning a booth. Pretty sure it's not legal. On the website you can purchase it certainly doesn't list Federal Lands it isn't valid. It sucks to have to pay 3 times ( taxes, pass for Federal Land entry and entry fee)to get into Federal lands in these cases. My understanding is even charging for an entry fee once for just parking or using undeveloped areas at Federal lands is in violation of current Federal laws--" The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (“REA”)
prohibits the United States Forest Service from charging fees
“[s]olely for parking, undesignated parking, or picnicking
along roads or trailsides,” for “hiking through . . . without
using the facilities and services,” and “[f]or camping at undeveloped sites . . . .” 16 U.S.C. § 6802(d)(1)(A), (D) & (E).
This isn't to say they can't charge for things like camping and launching but it appears many groups are imposing fees illegally. I know this is in the courts now. I'm not against paying for use of Federal Lands but do consider 3 times for one use excessive. Hopefully some rational policy can be developed to cover the cost but I'm not hopeful as it would have to involve politicians.
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prohibits the United States Forest Service from charging fees
“[s]olely for parking, undesignated parking, or picnicking
along roads or trailsides,” for “hiking through . . . without
using the facilities and services,” and “[f]or camping at undeveloped sites . . . .” 16 U.S.C. § 6802(d)(1)(A), (D) & (E).
This isn't to say they can't charge for things like camping and launching but it appears many groups are imposing fees illegally. I know this is in the courts now. I'm not against paying for use of Federal Lands but do consider 3 times for one use excessive. Hopefully some rational policy can be developed to cover the cost but I'm not hopeful as it would have to involve politicians.
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