The following statement was made by Floyd Thompson, Program Manager for the Forest Service's Office of Recreation, Heritage and Wilderness Resources. His statement shows the direct link between the Recreational Fee Demonstration Program, and the Forest Service's new emphasis on selling wilderness experiences as value-added products.
"Another key impact on tourism is the new Recreation Fee Demonstration Program. Many areas are now charging fees and having those fees returned to the site where collected thanks to this innovative congressional program. Many tourism industries are effected by these in the short term, but long term the fee revenues help to perpetuate the special places and facilities people require to visit these areas. Fee Demo Projects span a wide range of emerging tourism opportunities for National Forests-,
Heritage Expeditions explores "cultural tourism" models for special intimate adventures to historic sites with experts in the field — funds collected return to help protect these areas.
Naturewatch tours and interpretive viewing tours are paving the way for new "ecotourism" opportunities on National Forests.
Special Christmas tree cutting programs show the way in "agritourism" models and ways to return revenues back into conservation efforts.
Wilderness and River permit use fees provide much needed enhancements for quality on-site educational programs and protection of sensitive areas. These funds help make these areas accesible to the ecotourism visitors, where without them they would be closed for lack of resources to manage use in the area.
Climbing programs, ORV programs and special horse and mountain bike trails systems are being enhanced and made available through the fee program.
Marketing plans and business plans are now becoming part of the Forest Service lingo. Travel and tourism is being recognized as one of the major benefits of National Forests. Outfitter and Guide service operations and other private concessions are now being seen more as partners in serving our forest visitors. Collaboration with communities to set common visions for tourism potential and development in their areas is now part of the way business is done. Greater interagency efforts are now underway with NRCS, and the Rural Community Assistance Program in several areas around the country to increase joint efforts to support responsible tourism within public lands. The future looks bright for our National Forest’s and the role they can play in providing quality tourism opportunities for centuries to come."