Tonto National Forest Announces Fee-Free Weekend

Tonto National Forest joins other federal agencies in offering a fee-free weekend, Sat., Feb. 15 through Mon., Feb. 17 in honor of President’s Day.

The remaining 2014 fee-free days honored by national forests are —

• June 14, National Get Outdoors Day

• Sept. 27, National Public Lands Day

• Nov. 8-11, Veterans Day Weekend

"Our public lands are open to everyone, and we hope these free days offer an incentive to all people to visit any of the 193 million acres of land held in trust for their enjoyment and use," said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell.

Traditionally, fees are not charged on 98 percent of national forests and grasslands, and approximately two-thirds of developed recreation sites in national forests and grasslands can be used for free. This includes opportunities such as camping and picnicking.

Day-use fees will be waived at all standard amenity fee sites operated by the forest for these listed dates. Camping and campground fees are not waived.

During all other times, the Tonto Pass is required at more than 50 recreation sites including Salt and Verde river locations, boat launch ramps, swimming areas, day use areas, and campgrounds.

A list of Tonto Pass vendor locations is available at the Tonto National Forest website, http://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto, or call the Tonto National Forest at 602-225-5200.

The U.S. Forest Service mission 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 and is the world’s largest forestry research organization.