U.S. Forest Service waiving fees at most day-use recreation sites

COEUR d'ALENE - The U.S. Forest Service is waiving fees at most of its day-use recreation sites over the Veterans Day holiday weekend, Nov. 10-12.

The fee waivers - the fourth this year - are offered in cooperation with other federal agencies under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Day-use fees will be waived at all standard amenity fee sites operated by the Forest Service. Concessionaire operated day-use sites may be included in the waiver if the permit holder wishes to participate.

"This is our way of saying thanks to the brave men and women - past and present - who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe at home," said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell.

The Forest Service operates about 17,000 developed recreation sites nationwide. Of those, about 6,000 require recreation fees, which are used to provide visitor services, repairs and replacements, and facilities maintenance.