PHOENIX — Those who love off-roading in Arizona’s great outdoors will be impacted by new fees at several recreation areas in Tonto National Forest.
The new fees will take effect Jan. 1, 2025. They’ll pay for better facilities and services, according to Tonto National Forest officials.
In fact, Kelly Araiza, Tonto’s off-highway vehicle (OHV) program manager, said the fees will help maintain the recreation sites within the permit zones.
“We’ve listened to our forest visitors who have expressed their desires for added amenities and improved maintenance at these sites,” Araiza said in a news release. “Adding and restructuring these fees will allow us to do that.”
How are the new fees for off-roading permit zones in Mesa, Cave Creek?
Tonto National Forest has five OHV permit zones. Two of them currently charge $6 administration fees, while the other three are free.
But that will change at the beginning of next year at the following four sites:
Bulldog Canyon (Mesa Ranger District).
The Rolls (Mesa Ranger District).
Desert Vista (Cave Creek Ranger District).
St. Clair (Cave Creek Ranger District).
In addition, the fees will be implemented at the Lower Sycamore OHV Permit Zone in the Mesa Ranger District at a date to be determined, after National Environmental Policy Act requirements have been met.
The new rate schedule is as follows:
Annual permit: $80.
Six-month permit: $60.
Three-day permit: $10.
Public discussions preceded the final fee changes. Officials wanted to ensure the fees reflected Arizonans’ needs for well-maintained areas.
How will new fees at permit zones impact off-roading enthusiasts?
Fees collected at recreation sites will pay for services like trash removal, toilet pumping, cleaning and painting.
On top of that, it will also help maintain popular trails, campsites and more.
Officials will also use the money from fees to create additional …
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