By:
Mike Scott - 60 Hilltop Lane - Simpson, IL 62985
Our National Forest belongs to ALL of us. What transpires in one forest can have huge implications for all others. At the time of this writing the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois has a proposal on the table for ALL citizens to pay a user fee to ride and to sightsee in the Shawnee National Forest. Under most circumstances I would not object to paying a small fee, as long as I knew my money was going to be utilized for trail maintenance.
The supervisor of the Shawnee National Forest says that without these funds they cannot continue to address trail and recreation needs.
As I stated earlier, under most circumstances I would not mind paying a fee, but I am totally OPPOSED to paying this recreation fee.
For years the Forest Service has not only neglected trail building and maintenance in the Shawnee, but they continue to spend money on land purchases (they can’t take care of what they now have) and the building of a 3.5 million dollar complex at one of the ranger stations. The Forest Service has also been notorious for losing millions of dollars in timber sales.
Keeping this in mind, I would like to share with you some of the ‘features’ of this proposed recreation fee.
After closing several sites and taking away picnic tables, water supply, outhouses and other amenities, they now want to charge the equestrian $5 per day to ride in the Shawnee National Forest. You may also have the option of purchasing an annual pass for $50.
If you would compare this fee rate to the Hoosier National Forest and the Land Between the Lakes recreational area, here’s how it all adds up. If you rode in the Hoosier Forest the annual fee would be $35. If you were to ride in the LBL recreation area, the fee would be $60 per TRAILER…..not per person. So, a family of four at LBL would cost you $60 for the year; that same family riding in the Shawnee National Forest would cost them $200 annually!! NOW….here’s the KICKER! Both the Hoosier and LBL are open year around; the Shawnee is not! The scenic areas to ride in the Shawnee are closed from December to April. That means that one out of three days a year these riding areas are closed. If there is a one inch rain the trails are closed for 24 hours. I asked the Forest Service if I would get a refund. Of course, you know what the reply was! So….not only do they want to charge more than neighboring forests, but we would get less for our money.
A second very serious consideration is the fee structure for the disabled and senior citizen. They have a pass for these folks that will be discounted or possibly free…..that is UNLESS you ride a horse, donkey or mule! That’s right folks! If you are a disabled and/or senior equestrian, YOU have to pay the fee!
Another major factor for opposing these fees is the regional economy. The lower counties in southern Illinois are the most economically depressed areas in the state. In one county alone (Pope), the Forest Service owns over 91,000 acres….think what that does to tax revenue. Plus, unemployment is highest in these counties too. So, we have to depend on tourism as a major form of revenue.
Equestrians account for the highest number of users in the forest and consequently bring large sums of revenue to our region. According to the director for the SouthernMost Illinois Tourism Bureau, “the extensive research conducted by Southern Illinois University clearly defines the profound economic impact that horse camping generates to our local economy in southernmost Illinois.”
In closing, why am I telling YOU this? What importance is it to YOU? If you have ever ridden in the Shawnee National Forest you will know why 38,000 riders in 2003 came to enjoy some of the best riding in the United States. Also, this will potentially affect all National Forests.
In neighboring Missouri there is a movement to declare portions of the Mark Twain Forest a Wilderness Area. The good news is that it takes congressional approval; the bad news is, it is hard to stop.
I now need YOUR help? I want YOU to do a ‘10-41’ for me. I want you to take 10 minutes and write a letter to me and tell me why you are opposed to these fees. When writing your letter you need to make sure your name and address is clearly stated and then sign your comments. The 41 is the 41 cents it will cost you to mail your comments to me. I have already collected over 600 signatures in one week, not to mention nine businesses, county boards, and chambers of commerce, who have each signed a resolution opposing these fees. I will be making a presentation at a public meeting in Wisconsin to deliver your comments. The deadline for your response is APRIL 1, 2008.
Ten minutes and 41 cents is a very small price to pay, especially when it comes to keeping your national forest open for our enjoyment and for future equestrians. Thanking you in advance.
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