Lolo Forest fee increase proposed

The Lolo National Forest is proposing a recreation fee increase on various campgrounds, day sites, group sites and cabins which could double fees in some areas.

If approved, the fee hike will be reinvested back in to the district to ongoing maintenance, operations, staff, improving facilities, signage and visitor information.

“We get to keep almost 97 percent,” says Superior Ranger District Carole Johnson. “It comes back into the district.”

The fee increases would vary in different areas, depending on the amenities provided.

“Some fees will increase a little and some would increase dramatically,” Johnson said.

In addition to maintenance of current recreation sites, the Lolo National Forest is proposing three new recreation sites

The Savenac Bunkhouse in Haugan is proposed to increase to $115, which is currently $75.

The Quartz Flat Dump Station would increase to $10 from $2.

Trout Creek would increase to $15 from $6.

Comments are due Sept. 30.