Fees waived on National Public Lands Day

Day-use fees at most U.S. Forest Service recreation sites will be waived on Saturday, Sept. 27, to celebrate National Public Lands Day.

September 27 th marks the 20th National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve America’s public lands. Visitors to federally operated recreation sites will not be charged day-use fees.

These one-day fee waivers are honored at inter-agency federal recreation sites. Concessionaires operating day-use facilities have the option of waiving fees. Fees are not waived at campgrounds or for recreation rentals.

National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. The Forest Service, other federal agencies, and many state and local lands are continuing the tradition of educating the public about natural resources and stewardship. This year, several federal agencies and many state and local lands are expected to participate in this annual day of caring for shared public lands.

The Forest Service has a variety of sites that will be offering volunteer events. Many types of volunteer work will be done depending on the site. Volunteer activities include: planting trees and vegetation, building and refurbishing trails, removing trash and invasive plants, repairing bridges, restoring historic structures, monitoring endangered species and restoring habitats.

Volunteers at sponsored events on National Public Lands Day will receive inter-agency fee-free coupons as recognition for their efforts. For information on volunteering, visit www.publiclandsday.org

Other traditional federal inter-agency fee-free days include Veterans Day Weekend, Nov. 8-11. For more information on specific fee sites, call your local national forest or visit their website through www.fs.usda.gov