Fee increase proposed for Koomer Ridge Campground

WINCHESTER, Ky., August 24, 2009

Recreation managers with the Daniel Boone National Forest are interested in public comments concerning a proposal to increase fees at Koomer Ridge Campground near the Red River Gorge. The proposal recommends increasing winter season camping fees from $7 to $10 in 2010 and $14 in 2012. The fee increases would apply only to the off-season months, which are typically November through March.

The fees for winter months have been at their current level since 2000. The fee increases would help address the rising costs of operating the campground facility. Approximately 80 percent of fee revenues are used at this site to pick up trash, clean toilets and conduct other maintenance needs.

All fee change proposals will be presented before a citizen’s advisory committee called the Eastern and Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee, or RRAC. The committee members represent a broad array of recreational interest groups that assist the Forest Service in addressing public issues regarding recreation fees and other proposed changes and developments.

“The public is welcome to attend and comment at all advisory committee meetings,” said Dave Manner, District Ranger on the Cumberland Ranger District. “The RRAC will meet in February 2010 to review this proposal. Meanwhile, we look forward to hearing from the public concerning the proposed fee increase for Koomer Ridge Campground.”

The location and agenda can be obtained by contacting the Regional Fee Program coordinator at (501) 321-5277. Comments regarding the proposed fee increase may be submitted to the Daniel Boone National Forest Recreation Fee Program, 1700 Bypass Road, Winchester, KY 40391 by November 20.

For more information, the public may contact the Fee Program Manager with the Daniel Boone National Forest at (859) 745-3100.