PHOENIX – The Tonto National Forest will waive fees at several day-use recreation sites on Saturday, Sept. 30, in honor of National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort in support of public lands. For more information, visit http://www.publiclandsday.org/.
Families can enjoy fee free day at Tonto National Forest Sites
The fee-free program is held in conjunction with other federal land management agencies under the Federal Lands Recreation Act. It involves waiving fees at day-use sites, including picnic grounds, shorelines, and boat launches operated by the Tonto National Forest. Fees charged by concessionaires at facilities they operate, as well as fees for overnight camping at Forest Service developed campgrounds will not be waived.
One additional fee free day is scheduled in 2017:
Nov. 11, Veterans Day, commemorating the end of World War I. This holiday pays tribute to all military heroes, past and present.
Forest officials hope these fee-free days allow people to enjoy the nearly 3 million acres of Tonto National Forest’s land held in trust for their enjoyment and use. A Tonto Pass is usually required at the above sites, and can be purchased at over 200 vendor locations or local Forest Service offices. Tonto Daily Pass vendor locations are available at the Tonto National Forest website, and can also be purchased at fee machines located across the Forest. For information regarding passes, call the Tonto National Forest at 602-225-5200 during business hours.
The mission of the Forest Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.
