Chugach Forest plans big fee increases

The five-year plan for recreation facilities on the Chugach National Forest shows they are tackling a budget deficit by increasing fees dramatically, and pursuing partnerships with citizens to help with maintenance. One cabin, at Pete Dahl Slough, on the Copper River Delta, is also scheduled for decommissioning.

The overall maintenance and operating costs for facilities on the whole forest is listed at $1,543,053. Yet, the appropriated funds available from Congress are only $918,284. So, bills have been piling up through the Bush administration. The plan, signed in 2006, shows a $1,418,090 maintenance backlog on the various cabins, campgrounds, trails, signs, and visitor centers on the forest.

According to the plan, the average fee at cabins is going up to $75 during peak season. That's a huge jump. It ventures into the realm of unaffordable for many families. Overall, the plan is to raise $635,759 from fees each year, more than triple the current total. Yikes. 

This is a National Forest, not a private park. Right?

I honestly don't know what to think of the plan, beyond the obvious thought that these Republicans Stevens, Murkowski, Young, and Bush have really left us in a pickle. Example: while this was happening, Stevens spent $10 million to build the Whistle Stops project, which primary purpose was to be a photo-op for himself cutting a ribbon—ANY ribbon— on the forest's 100-year anniversary.  Recreation on the Chugach costs peanuts compared to the jillions of dollars being squandered by the Feds on REALLY dumb things, like the war. 

But on the other hand, there is real stewardship responsibility in citizens for our public lands. We don't have to let the cabins and outhouses fall apart, just because our president is an idiot.

So, read the plan. And let me know what you think!  

/Chugach5yrplan.pdf