Proposed Changes to Recreation Fees on the Ouachita National Forest
The Ouachita National Forest is proposing changes to recreation fees at various recreation sites on the forest.
In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) which allows the Forest Service to retain at least 80% of the money collected at recreation sites and use these funds locally to operate, maintain, and improve these sites. Revenue collected through recreation fees help to repair trails, maintain restrooms, restore habitats, and improve safety. Recreation fees support quality recreation opportunities that meet the modern expectations of visitors and creates a more financially sustainable recreation program for future generations.
The public is invited to comment on the proposed recreation fee changes. The comment period is set to end by close of business on July 20, 2026. To ensure that your comments are considered, please send your comments no later than the above date to Ouachita National Forest, Attention:
Recreation Program, PO Box 1270, Hot Springs, AR, 71902 or by email at SM.FS.ONF_PA@usda.gov. Comments can also be provided online at https://arcg.is/1Gu8zH1.
Oral comments must be provided in person at the Ouachita National Forest during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) or by calling 501-321-5253 and indicating you would like to provide comments on the proposed recreation fee changes. For more information on the Ouachita National Forest, visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/r08/ouachita.
Once public involvement is complete, these recreation fee changes will be reviewed by an advisory committee. Committee members represent a broad array of recreation interests to help ensure that the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable recreation fees. The committee will submit their recommendation to the Regional Forester for a final decision.
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