Tongass Forest Tests Wallet at New Fee Spot
Published Date: 9/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The Tongass National Forest is proposing to establish one recreation fee site. Proposed recreation fees collected at the proposed recreation fee site would be used for operation, maintenance, and improvement of the site. An analysis of nearby recreation fee sites with similar amenities shows that the proposed recreation fees are reasonable and typical of similar recreation fee sites in the area.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
New Nightly Fee for False Bay Cabin
The Forest Service proposes an expanded-amenity recreation fee for False Bay Cabin of $70 per night in the primary season and $55 per night in the shoulder season. These per-night fees would apply when the site is established.
Reservation Transaction Fee of $8
Reservations for the cabin can be made online or by phone and would incur an $8.00 reservation transaction fee per reservation charged by recreation.gov. That $8 fee is retained by the reservation service provider and is not a Forest Service recreation fee.
Local Use of Fee Revenue (80% Local Spend)
At least 80 percent of the proposed recreation fees collected at the site would be spent where they are collected to enhance visitor experience, operations, maintenance, and improvements at the site.
Fees Cannot Start Before March 8, 2027
The proposed fees will not be established any earlier than six months after this notice's publication in the Federal Register (publication: September 8, 2026), i.e., no earlier than March 8, 2027.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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