BLM Seeks Public Comments on Proposed Camping Fee Increases / Co.

Cañon City, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Royal Gorge Field Office (RGFO) is seeking public comment on its proposal to increase use fees for the two Shelf Road campgrounds; the Bank and Sand Gulch, located north of Cañon City. The RGFO has not raised campground fees since 1995 and maintenance costs have increased by more than 25 percent since 2006. The fee increase would enhance BLM’s capacity to maintain and improve these recreation areas.

BLM has received comments from visitors to this area that a reasonable fee increase would be supported in order to improve facilities and increase maintenance. The current fee charges are $4.00 per night for a standard campsite and $8.00 per night for a large group campsite. The proposed fee increase is: $10.00 per night for a standard campsite and $20.00 per night for a large group campsite. The proposed fee is comparable to facilities offering similar amenities on public lands in the state. The additional fees would support upgrades to the restrooms, campsites, roads, and signs.

The fee proposals are available for public review at the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office, 3028 Main St., in Cañon City or on the Web at www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/rgfo/Recreation.html. Written comments may be submitted to: Outdoor Recreation Planner, BLM Royal Gorge Field Office, 3028 E. Main Street, Cañon City, CO 81212 or email with “Campground Fees” on the subject line to rgfo_comments@blm.gov. Comments must be received by August 25, 2009. For further information, contact Leah Quesenberry at 719-269-8547.

The BLM manages more land - 256 million acres - than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
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http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Information/newsroom/2009/blm_seeks_comment.html