Cibola National Forest raising some recreation fees
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Usage fees for some sites within the Cibola National Forest will increase beginning in May. The U.S. Forest Service says rising maintenance costs necessitated the fee increases.
Day-use fees will increase from $3 to $5. single family campsites will increase to $10 per night. Equestrian campsites will increase to $12 per night. Other fee increases will vary depending on amenities and site capacity, the Forest Service says.
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The fee increases will go into effect on Monday, May 13 at sites at Mount Taylor and the Sandia Ranger District. Sites at Magdalena and Mountainair Ranger Districts will increase by September 8, as will sites at Rita Blanca National Grasslands.
The U.S. Forest Service is allowed to keep 95% of the fees it collects, according to the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. That money is then used to maintain and upgrade sites through efforts like trail maintenance, trash collection, etc.
The latest fee increases come after a round of public input. The Forest Service says that public response, as well as the level of amenities provided at each site, helped inform the fee increases.
