By Lorena Williams
The San Juan National Forest is proposing changes to the management, operations, and fee structure associated with Chimney Rock National Monument.
Significant capital improvements, coupled with increased visitation and other changed conditions, point to the need for the Forest to assume greater responsibility for site management. The changes are in line with agency guidance, Recreation Enhancement Act parameters for fee collections, and management practices at comparable parks and monuments.
Under this proposal, the San Juan National Forest would assume responsibility for most site operations by hiring a dedicated workforce devoted to providing visitor information, facility maintenance, resource protection, shuttle transportation, and other visitor services. Fees would be changed, and revenue would be retained by the Forest to fund operation and maintenance costs.
Currently, fees are collected and retained by San Juan National Forest’s partner, Chimney Rock Interpretive Association, and cost $12-16/adult and $6 – 8/child. Under this proposal, visitors would instead be assessed a $20/vehicle fee or a $10/motorcycle fee valid for 5 days. Interagency, Access, Senior, Military, and 4th Grade passes would be honored.
Please tell us what you think about the Chimney Rock National Monument fee proposal.
From June 12 through September 30, rangers will be available for questions and comments at the Monument. They will have comment cards and additional information. You may submit comments in person at any San Juan National Forest office, online at this website, by email to paul.blackman@usda.gov, or by mail to:
US Forest Service, Chimney Rock Fee Proposal
PO Box 310, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
For more information on the fee proposal, contact Paul Blackman paul.blackman@usda.gov or (970) 264-1505.
For information on current fire restrictions, conditions, and recreation opportunities on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874, or visit the forest website.