Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Tonto National Forest joins other federal agencies in offering fee-free days on public lands in 2016, beginning January 18 in honor of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

The remaining 2016 fee-free days honored by national forests are -

• Feb. 15 President's Day

• June 11 National Get Outdoors Day

• Sept. 24 National Public Lands Day

• Nov. 11 Veterans Day

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 dispersed camping and picnicking.

The fee-free program is in cooperation with other federal land management agencies under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. 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.

Tonto Pass vendor locations are available at the Tonto National Forest website, http://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto, or call the Tonto National Forest at 602-225-5200 during business hours.

The mission of the U.S. Forest Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.