Shoshone Field Office seeks comment on proposed fees at campgrounds and boat ramps
TWIN FALLS, Idaho–The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) seeks input during a 30-day public comment period on a proposed business plan to collect fees and improve the visitor experience at three recreation sites managed by the Shoshone Field Office. Collecting fees provides the BLM with resources needed to cover increased operational and maintenance costs associated with expanded visitor use.
The business plan proposes to charge $20/night at the Silver Creek and Wilson Lake Campgrounds, at all campgrounds at Magic Reservoir once they have been upgraded, and any campgrounds developed in the future. It also includes a $10/day or $75 annual fee for using the BLM boat ramps located at Magic Reservoir. These are the boat ramps at Moonstone and West Magic, and once repaired, East Magic.
“For the BLM to continue to meet public demand in terms of increased visitation and operational and maintenance costs, we believe implementing a fee structure is necessary,” said BLM Shoshone Field Manager Codie Martin. “I encourage everyone to look at the rationale in our plan and let us know what you think. I want the public to have safe and quality experiences when recreating at our developed recreation sites.”
The fees were determined through a comparative cost review of similar public and private facilities in surrounding counties. Operational and maintenance costs include routine cleaning, trash removal, vault toilet pumping, improving amenities, vandalism repair and road maintenance. The rationale for the fee increases, comparisons to other campgrounds with similar amenities, operating costs, and anticipated revenue are outlined in the business plan.
The plan is available online https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-fees/business-plans, or at the BLM Shoshone Field Office at the address listed below. Comments will be accepted through August 24, 2024, by the following means:
- Email: BLM_ID_ShoshoneOffice@blm.gov
- U.S. Mail: BLM Shoshone Field Office, 400 West F Street, Shoshone, ID 83352
For more information, please contact Dave Freiberg at 208-732-7271.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.