JACKSON, Wyo. — Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) is inviting the public to provide further feedback on its revised proposal for a new fee program for Snake River Canyon use.
“This revised proposal is a direct result of public interest and valuable input,” BTNF posted to Facebook. “The Forest has reviewed and considered all comments submitted and made changes to its river fee proposal that make it less cumbersome, less costly and easier to manage by both the agency and user.”
Fees would apply to the 23.1-mile stretch of the Snake River Canyon (between Hoback and Alpine Junctions). While the original proposal posited a fee of $3 per day per person, the revised proposal would charge per vehicle for groups of up to 15 people. River users would be required to display a receipt on their vehicle dashboard, or hang a season pass placard from their rearview mirror.
“We’ve heard loud and clear that river users felt our proposal would exclude underserved populations based on cost, and that a per person fee structure was too cumbersome,” Wild & Scenic Rivers Coordinator David Cernicek said in a statement. “As a result, the proposal was adjusted to charge by the vehicle at a lower price point, and we appreciate the public helping us get here.”
The proposed free structure has been revised as follows:
| Snake River Canyon Fees Proposed Per Person/Vehicle Rate* | |||
| TYPE OF PASS | Proposed Rate | Proof of payment receipts* | Original Proposal Cost ($3/person) |
| Day Pass (Covers all in vehicle) | |||
| Single vehicle | $5 | 1 | $3-15 (in 5 passenger vehicle) |
| Large Group 16-30 persons | $3 per person* | n/a | n/a |
| Commercial Outfitters | $3 per person | n/a | n/a |
| Season Pass (Covers all in vehicle) | |||
| Single vehicle | $40 per vehicle | Placards (hang on center rear-view mirror). | $40 per person |
| $20 | Additional placard available at time of purchase** | ||
Disabled veterans, Gold Star Families, Tribal members and their vehicle of guests, with documentation, would not be required to pay fees. Kids under 16 would not be required to pay fees, either.
A public meeting will be held in Jackson on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 5 p.m. at the BTNF office at 340 N. Cache St.
Comments will be accepted here through Friday, March 1. They can also be made by phone (call 307-739-5565), by mail (send to Fee Comments, Bridger-Teton National Forest, 340 N. Cache St., P.O. Box 1888, Jackson, WY 83001) or by email (SM.FS.BTNFFeeProp@usda.gov).
After March 1, the proposed fee changes and public feedback will be reviewed by the Recreation Action Team , who will submit their recommendation to the Regional Forester for a final decision.
