Bureau of Land Management Fee-Free Days for 2018

United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Information Resources Management
1849 C Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20240

January 11, 2018

In Reply Refer To:
2930 (250) P

EMS Transmission 1/11/18
Information Bulletin No. 2018-026

To:                   All Field Office Officials
                        Attn: Recreation Planners

From:              Assistant Director, Resources and Planning

Subject:          Bureau of Land Management Fee-Free Days for 2018

In calendar year 2018, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will waive recreation-related fees for visitors on January 15 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), February 19 (President’s Day), June 9 (National Get Outdoors Day), September 22 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day). 

Authority for the establishment of “fee-free” days stems from the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. Chapter 87, Section 6804(3)). For the BLM, the requirement to observe “fee-free” days means the waiver of standard amenity fees and individual day-use fees (such as visitor centers and within National Conservation Lands units) only.  Expanded amenity fees and other fees, i.e. those for group day use, overnight camping, cabin rentals and use of special areas, will remain in effect, unless the field office manager deems it appropriate to waive them.  For data collection and accountability purposes, a zero-value receipt equivalent to a one-day pass may be issued to those visitors whose fee is waived.

While the BLM has coordinated its planned fee-free days with the other federal recreation agencies, some may offer different and/or additional fee-free dates.  The BLM field units in jointly managed areas, near, or adjacent to other federal units are encouraged to coordinate to offer similar fee free access as appropriate.  The BLM offices are encouraged to promote the fee-free days to the public, communities and partners as an opportunity to instill land stewardship values and promote the Secretary of the Interior’s priority for expanded public access to hunting, fishing and recreational shooting as well as enjoyment of the many unique recreation opportunities available on BLM-managed public lands.

For more information about the BLM’s recreation fee program and the list of fee-free days, please visit the Recreation Permits and Fees webpage.  If you have questions concerning this Information Bulletin, please contact Peggi Brooks, BLM Recreation Permits & Fees Program, Recreation and Visitor Services Division (WO-250), at 202-912-7254 or pbrooks@blm.gov.

Signed by:
Kristin M. Bail
Assistant Director
Resources and Planning

Authenticated by:
Catherine Emmett
WO-870 IT Policy and Planning