Re[2]: (Fwd) 1998-99 FEDERAL DUCK STAMP DEBUTS JULY 1
Phil Davis (pdavis@ix.netcom.com)
Thu, 02 Jul 1998 01:28:05 -0400
Here's yet another "fee" item ... in southern California, specifically in
the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres, and San Bernadino National Forests, you
must have a "National Forest Adventure Pass" displayed on your rear view
mirror if you are parked in one of these forests, even on the shoulder of
the road. It's a recreation fee and costs $5.00 for a daily pass and
$30.00 for an annual pass. Failure to display the pass can result in a
fine of up to $100.
Since there are no fee booths, people new to the area need to (1) figure
out what pass this is from all the signs posted, and (2) figure out where
to get one. Most Forest Service offices are only open during
administrative hours. Some retail businesses sell them, but good luck
figuring this out.
Here's the rub ... since this is a USDA fee, Golden Age and Golden Access
passports are good for only 50% off of the fee--and you have to go to
Forest Service offices, not independent vendors. Here's the kicker (and I
quote), "Since this is a recreation use fee, Golden Eagle Passports will
not be honored as they are entrance passes. The National Forest Adventure
Pass is not an entrance pass". (Obviously Duck Stamps are no good!)
Don't get me wrong, I'm not against such types of fees ... but (1) let's
not have the various US Govt agencies competing against each other, (2)
make it easy to obtain passes like this, and (3) give me the option to not
be "nickled and dimed"--I'd rather pay once for access to ALL federal lands
for a year.
Phil
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Phil Davis
home: PDavis@ix.netcom.com Davidsonville, Maryland USA
work: PDavis@OAO.com Greenbelt, Maryland USA
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