San Bernardino National Forest fee hikes proposed

Fees soon may be higher at several recreation sites under a proposal by the San Bernardino National Forest.

According to officials, 60% of recreational areas in the forest — areas where overnight camping or day use is permitted — are managed with fees paid by visitors.

The remaining 40% of recreational areas are not managed with user fees.

Under the proposal, fees would double at some sites. The increases would support maintenance, operations, improved facilities and infrastructure, and additional staff.

These sites have fee increases proposed:

■ Applewhite Campground in Lytle Creek: increase to $25 from $10.

■ Big Pine Flat off-highway vehicle staging area: increase to $5 per vehicle from no charge.

■ Pinyon Flats Campground, Campground Road, Mountain Center: increase to $20 per night from $8, and to $10 from $5 per additional vehicle.

■ Marion Mountain Campground in Idyllwildpine Cove: Increase to $20 per night from $10, and to $10 from $5 per additional vehicle.

■ Fern Basin Campground in Banning: increase to $20 from $10 per night, and to $10 from $5 per additional vehicle.

■ Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground in Mountain Center: Increase to $30 from $15 per night.

“Raising the revenue collected through recreation fees would help the forests improve infrastructure at campsites and day-use sites,” San Bernardino National Forest Public Affairs Specialist Gustavo Bahena said in a July 21 statement, “and hire additional recreation staff during the season of operation.”

The public is able to comment on the proposed fee changes until Oct. 1.

Comments can be emailed to sm.fs.bdffeeprop@usda.gov and mailed to or dropped off at the San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor’s Office Attention: Jonar Rodrigo, 602 S. Tippecanoe Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92408.

Comments also can be submitted by phone by calling 909-382-2682.

PHOTOS BY WATCHARA PHOMICINDA — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER San Bernardino National Forest fees for campgrounds and other recreational uses could double under a new proposal. Ignocio Ramirez and Sara Muñoz cool off in Lytle Creek near San Bernardino during Wednesday’s heat.

Children play in Lytle Creek. Forest officials are accepting public comment on the proposed fee increases through Oct. 1.

Hikers walk near Lytle Creek. Higher fees would fund upkeep and other uses, officials say.