Forest Service waives day use fees in honor of veterans Nov. 11
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, November 9, 2016
In honor of Veterans, all US Forest Service day-use sites across the Nation are fee-free on Veteran’s Day Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. This includes trailheads, picnic areas and other day-use sites where a fee is normally charged. The fee-free program is in cooperation with other Federal land management agencies under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
The Olympic National Forest encourages you to take advantage of this and other fee-free days throughout the year, to discover and enjoy your public lands. It’s a great time to introduce newcomers to the variety of recreation activities available on the National Forest, as well as an opportunity for the Forest Service to thank regular visitors for their continued enthusiasm and support.
For ideas on where to go view Olympic National Forest Recreation sites on an interactive map, or contact one of our offices for information. To learn about some accessible sites and trails on the peninsula check out this video showing accessible sites around the Olympic Peninsula.
The Forest Service also honors active duty military members year-round with the free Interagency Annual Military Pass honored at all Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sites charging entrance or standard amenity fees.
The fee waiver days support the goals of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative, which encourages all Americans to connect with the outdoors, and First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move Outside,” which encourages children to get out and get active to be healthy.
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. Many recreation opportunities such as camping, sightseeing and hiking can be enjoyed throughout the year at no cost.
