USFS fees force groups to cancel annual events
By Cathy Locke, Sacramento Bee
At least three groups with long-standing ties to the Eldorado National Forest have canceled recreation events this year, citing steep permit processing fees required by U.S. Forest Service cost recovery regulations.
Spokesmen for an equestrian group and two off-road motorcycle clubs say their members over the years have created and maintained trails that the Forest Service touts as amenities.
Now they’re told they must pay thousands of dollars in nonrefundable fees for environmental assessments with no assurance that they’ll receive a permit when the studies are completed.