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Proposed fee changes for Mogollon Rim campgrounds
CLINTS WELL, Ariz., July 8, 2019 - The Coconino National Forest is seeking public input on proposed fee implementation at the Clint’s Well and Kehl Springs campgrounds, and fee increases at Blue Ridge, Rock Crossing, Knoll Lake, Elks, Long Valley Work Center and Moqui campgrounds on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District.

Based on increased increased use at campgrounds, a fee increase and fee implementation is needed to continue site improvements and will help ensure that people can continue using and enjoying our campgrounds. Fees have not been changed in over a decade. The proposed new fees would bring these recreation sites into better alignment with nearby public and private recreation areas.

The following image displays the Forest Service's proposed fee changes for campgrounds in the Mogollon Rim Ranger District:

Of the recreation fees collected, 95 percent remain on the forest to operate, maintain and improve the facilities and programs at the campgrounds. An increase in fees would help the recreation sites be more financially sustainable.

Developed family campgrounds are limited to a family size group or up to eight people and two cars. The Moqui Group Campground consists of three group sites that can accommodate up to 50 people and 10 vehicles at each site. The Elks and Long Valley Work Center Group Campgrounds can accommodate up to 300 people and 50 vehicles. These two large group sites are ideal for large family reunions and social gatherings

The fee change proposal will be presented before a citizen’s advisory committee, called the Arizona Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RAC), 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, which is expected to be held in December 2019.If these fee proposals are approved, the increase would go into effect as early as spring 2020.

The deadline for comments is October 15, 2019. The public can submit comments in writing through one of several methods:

Regular mail: Coconino National Forest, Mogollon Rim Ranger District, Attn: Recreation Fee Program, 8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ 86024
Email: comments-southwestern-coconino-mogollon@fs.fed.us
FAX: (928) 477-5057, Attn: MRRD Recreation Fee Program

For more details regarding the fee change proposal, please visit our fee proposal frequently asked questions web page.

joebartels wrote:The Moqui Group Campground consists of three group sites that can accommodate up to 50 people and 10 vehicles at each site.

a fee increase and fee implementation is needed to continue site improvements

rcorfman wrote:What improvements will be continued?

Coconino National Forest wrote:The Mogollon Rim Ranger District wants to improve the overall condition of its developed campgrounds. Fees will also help protect scenic, wildlife, environmental, historical, archaeological, cultural, and recreational values as a result of a more sustainable developed recreation program. Overall, the fees will help preserve public investment in outdoor recreation infrastructure that supports personal health, economic, environmental, and social benefits for the individual visitor and community.

Specifically, what will these fees go towards?
Costs to maintain these sites include things such as:

Daily/weekly tasks such as cleaning restrooms and removing trash;
Annual maintenance, such as painting;
Replacement or repair of facilities such as information kiosks, signs, fire rings, picnic tables, and restrooms as they reach the end of their useful life;
Infrastructure work, including road resurfacing and water system repairs.

rcorfman wrote:I kind of doubt any improvements have been in progress for awhile now.

Coconino National Forest wrote:Improvements such as Corfman benches will be installed at mile intervals on a honey-combed grid throughout the forest.

WonderlandLena wrote: ↑Jul 09 2019 11:35 pm Personally I feel that the NPS may be justified in the price increases because as the population increases so does the garbage they clean and I'm all for supporting that cause

joebartels wrote:The benches were a bad joke.

hikeaz wrote:(Note how they 'spin' it to say cesspool as opposed to 'septic tank' which is the more common nomenclature). Playing the 'headline game' to appeal to those who feel they are 'too busy' to educate themselves.

Tough_Boots wrote: ↑Jul 17 2019 7:15 am

hikeaz wrote:(Note how they 'spin' it to say cesspool as opposed to 'septic tank' which is the more common nomenclature). Playing the 'headline game' to appeal to those who feel they are 'too busy' to educate themselves.

They use the term "cesspool" because that is the term the EPA used in the press release as quoted in the article.