"Judge Pyle said the USFS often ignores restrictions in the law which prohibit charging fees for '1) solely parking; 2) general access; 3) dispersed areas; 4) traveling without using facilities or services; 5) camping at undeveloped sites; 6) overlooks or scenic pullouts ...' On Page 14, the judge wrote: 'Clearly Congress intended that the public have free access to undeveloped federal lands for purposes of recreation, including hiking.'"
About time. Don't buy Adventure Passes or Northwest Forest Passes or whatever the equivalent is in your town. If you get a NON, fight it or send it to your congressperson. It's illegal for the USFS to charge fees for access to undeveloped federal lands.
Greg
Cool, but one question: what [exactly] does "undeveloped" mean? I.E., can they slap a park bench and bathroom on the property and now call it developed. -- Slack
"Judge Pyle said the USFS often ignores restrictions in the law which prohibit charging fees for '1) solely parking; 2) general access; 3) dispersed areas; 4) traveling without using facilities or services; 5) camping at undeveloped sites; 6) overlooks or scenic pullouts ...' On Page 14, the judge wrote: 'Clearly Congress intended that the public have free access to undeveloped federal lands for purposes of recreation, including hiking.'"
About time. Don't buy Adventure Passes or Northwest Forest Passes or whatever the equivalent is in your town. If you get a NON, fight it or send it to your congressperson. It's illegal for the USFS to charge fees for access to undeveloped federal lands.
Greg
Cool, but one question: what [exactly] does "undeveloped" mean? I.E., can they slap a park bench and bathroom on the property and now call it developed.
Probably. I don't mind paying to park at a trailhead that has an actual parking lot, bathrooms, trashcan, and maybe water and picnic tables, just like I don't mind paying to camp in a campground with the above. I do mind paying to park on the side of the highway to eat a sandwich or take a picture.
Greg
-- "All my time I spent in heaven Revelries of dance and wine Waking to the sound of laughter Up I'd rise and kiss the sky" - The Mekons
