Sierraville July 2, 2009 - The Forest Service is interested in the public's comments on a proposal to institute a fee for the new rental of Sardine Lookout on the Sierraville Ranger District in the Tahoe National Forest. Sardine Lookout would be the second lookout available for the public to rent in the Forest, the first being Calpine Lookout, also on the Sierraville Ranger District. The proposed per night rental fee would be $45, matching the current rental fee at Calpine. Sardine Lookout will probably be available for rental beginning in the fall, 2009.
Comments about this fee proposal should be sent to Michael Baldrica (mbaldrica@fs.fed.us or Sierraville Ranger Station, 317 Lincoln Hwy, Sierraville CA 96126). To be most helpful, comments should be received by September 10, 2009.
The popularity of the Calpine Lookout made it an easy decision to expand the rental program to include Sardine explained Quentin Youngblood, Sierraville District Ranger. "The Calpine Lookout has been a fantastic recreation opportunity for the public," stated Youngblood. "We feel confident that providing additional rental opportunities at the Sardine Lookout will provide locals and visitors alike with another excellent opportunity to experience the beauty of the Tahoe National Forest," continued Youngblood.
The Forest Service has made numerous improvements to this 1930's era lookout and will use the fees collected under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) to continue to upgrade the site. Improvements include: installation of a propane heater, propane stove, and other features. Ninety-five percent of the funds collected through the rental process would be used at the site to operate, maintain and improve public services. Reservations for the lookout rental will be managed through the National Recreation Reservation Service. In addition to the $45 per night fee, a reservation fee of $9 would be charged for internet reservations or $10 for reservations through the national call center.
All new fee proposals will be presented to a citizen's advisory committee, the California Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC). The RRAC members represent a broad array of recreation interest groups and help to ensure public issues and concerns about recreation fees are addressed. The public is welcome to attend and comment at all the advisory committee meetings. The next RRAC meeting is expected to be held in September 2009. The meeting time, location and agenda will be announced on the Forest Service website at www.fs.fed.us/r5/passes/rrac/ and through local media.
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