Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Tonto National Forest joins other federal agencies in offering fee-free days on public lands in 2013.

The upcoming fee-free days honored by the forest are —

• June 8, National Get Outdoors Day

• Sept. 28, National Public Lands Day

• Nov. 9-11, Veterans Day Weekend

“Your national forests and grasslands are a bargain any day of the year, but even more so on fee-free days,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “Whether you stay for a few hours or a few days, your public lands are some of the best travel bargains in the nation.”

Traditionally, fees are not charged on 98 percent of national forests and grasslands, and approximately two-thirds of developed recreation sites in national forests and grasslands can be used for free. This includes opportunities such as camping and picnicking.

Day-use fees will be waived at all standard amenity fee sites operated by the forest for these listed dates. Camping and campground fees are not waived.

During all other times, the Tonto Pass is required at more than 50 recreation sites including Salt and Verde river locations, boat launch ramps, swimming areas, day use areas, and campgrounds.

A list of Tonto Pass vendor locations is available at the Tonto National Forest website, http://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto, or call the Tonto National Forest at 602-225-5200.

Salazar Announces Fee-Free Days

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has announced dates in 2013 through Veterans Day when more than 2,000 national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and other federal lands will offer free admittance to everyone.

“Our national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests and other public lands offer every American a place to enjoy outdoor recreation, learn about our nation’s history and culture, and restore our souls and spirits by connecting with the natural beauty and wildness of our land,” Salazar said. “By providing free admission, we are putting out an invitation to all Americans to visit and enjoy these extraordinary treasures that belong to all our people.”

Tourism and outdoor recreation are also powerful economic engines in communities across the country. Recreation on federal lands in 2009 provided 440,000 jobs and contributed $55 billion to the economy.

The fee waiver does not cover expanded amenity or user fees for things such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.

Active duty military members and their dependents are eligible for a free annual pass that provides entrance to lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Forest Service. The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program also offers a free lifetime pass for people with disabilities, a $10 lifetime senior pass for those age 62 and over, and a $80 annual pass for the general public.

Jan.21 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - National Park Service,

Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service

April 22- 26 - National Park Week - National Park Service

June 8 - Great Outdoors Day - US Forest Service

Aug.25 - National Park Service Birthday - National Park Service

Sept.28 - National Public Lands Day - National Park Service

Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, US Forest Service

Oct.13 - National Wildlife Refuge Day - Fish & Wildlife Service

Nov.9 - 11 - Veterans Day weekend - National Park Service

Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, US Forest Service