CAMPING ON GOVERNMENT (OUR) LAND
Escapees News Bulletin by Jim Koca, Advocacy Director As some Escapees are aware, a bill has been introduced in the United States Congress, HB 5204, entitled The Federal Lands Recreation Enhanceme...
Forum Discussion
How many here know exactly what the bill states? Not many, I'm guessing.
HR 5204 is a rewrite of a current active congressional act: FLREA. If FLREA isn't re-approved or updated by December 2015, all fees currently collected by NPS, NFS, and BLM will go into the general treasury; the DOI will loose all those funds for maintenance and improvements.
Additionally, if one had actually read the thing, one would know that:
where fees are allowed, 90% of fees collected will remain there for improvements.
It prevents fees from being charged where there are no improvements (there must be four of five to impose a fee).
It sets limits on the fees that can be imposed.
It requires 3rd party companies to grant discounts to pass holders at the same level as the Federal Pass (this is a good thing for seniors with 50% off camping).
So, your boondocking spots are safe. Your senior passes will give you more discounts. The fees cannot go up faster than congress will allow. Fees can't be imposed where there are no improvements.
HR 5204 is a rewrite of a current active congressional act: FLREA. If FLREA isn't re-approved or updated by December 2015, all fees currently collected by NPS, NFS, and BLM will go into the general treasury; the DOI will loose all those funds for maintenance and improvements.
Additionally, if one had actually read the thing, one would know that:
where fees are allowed, 90% of fees collected will remain there for improvements.
It prevents fees from being charged where there are no improvements (there must be four of five to impose a fee).
It sets limits on the fees that can be imposed.
It requires 3rd party companies to grant discounts to pass holders at the same level as the Federal Pass (this is a good thing for seniors with 50% off camping).
So, your boondocking spots are safe. Your senior passes will give you more discounts. The fees cannot go up faster than congress will allow. Fees can't be imposed where there are no improvements.
