Increases in maintenance costs over the past 15 years have led to the need for the USDA Forest Service to adjust fees at Mark Twain National Forest’s developed recreation sites.
New and increased fees will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024. Over time, this will also help in making improvements at multiple recreation sites in line with the Forest’s recreation strategic plan.
A vast majority of the Forest is free for visitors to access and enjoy, but fees are needed to maintain the sites that offer amenities — things like fire rings, trash service, potable water, electricity, paved parking and more.
In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act which allows the Forest Service to retain 95% of revenue collected at recreation sites and use the funds locally to operate, maintain and improve the sites.
