Why is the Sequoia National Forest proposing New FEES?
In the Sequoia National Forest some areas draw a high concentration of visitors, usually associated with a river or lake. Some of these areas suffer under the heavy use and require more facilities, patrolling, up-keep and maintenance to protect resources and the quality of the recreation experience. One of these areas is the Lake Isabella high impact recreation area (HIRA) which encompasses 140 acres within Auxiliary Dam, Old Isabella Road, and South Fork Recreation Area. A standard amenity fee is required for recreational use of the area. This fee helps support the facilities and visitor services provided. In other areas highly impacted by recreation and suffering under heavy use and inadequate budgets, an opportunity exists to administer them as a “high impact recreation area” and charge a modest standard amenity fee. Three areas are currently being studied by the Forest Service: the Upper Kern River, additional National Forest System lands around Lake Isabella, and the areas along L
