The following passage comes from a letter written by Mike Dombeck, Chief of the Forest Service, sent out to all Regional Foresters of the Forest Service. It is titled: "Prohibition Against Displacement of Concessions Based On Recreation Fee Demonstration Project."
This letter It clearly shows how Chief Dombeck and the recreation industry are intimately joined in their efforts to commercialize and privatize recreation opportunities on the National Forests.
Mr. Dombeck does not substantiate the claim he makes to the effect that use of the private sector helps to protect ecosystems. However, this is part of his justification for not displacing concessions on National Forests.
[Emphasis added.]
Department of Agriculture Forest Service
P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
File Code: 2330/6230/6500
Date: February 25, 1997
To: Regional Foresters
Subject: Prohibition Against Displacement of Concessions Based On Recreation Fee Demonstration Project
I commend you for your Region's active participation in the Recreation Fee Demonstration. This unique authority is a good example of one strategy we need to carry out our mission in a quality manner with declining resources.
Another strategy is to encourage an expanding role for the private sector in delivering services in national forest settings. Use of concessions is a key tool for providing quality services with declining work forces and capital resources. In addition to providing benefits and services to our customers, concessions also directly contribute to ecosystem protection and enhancements while promoting economic strength and stability in the communities we serve.
To ensure these approaches do not conflict, direction was established guiding selection of each demonstration project. Specifically, our direction is not to displace concessionaires associated with the execution of the fee demonstration test. Several of our trade association partners have contacted my office and members of Congress expressing their concerns that some areas are contemplating modifications of current concession permits, or even not renewing permits, to incorporate a site in the demonstration program.
We must continue to work with our service partners. From the beginning, we indicated we would not displace their operations during this test. Our partners trusted our word. They supported this authority in our local communities and with their congressional representatives. This is a 4-year test during which we will learn more about the potential of a fee system, and we should not disrupt our continuing support for providing services by private concession.
At the same time, both Congress and the Administration have identified the need to reduce the size and scope of Government. How we manage the national forests has shifted. We must effectively utilize our employees as program administrators and adjust to leaner Government.
Ensure this direction reaches each line officer. I encourage your continued support of both of these programs. Each warrant your leadership. We must take advantage of locally retained fees and continue to promote an expanding private sector industry to serve national forest visitors. I ask that each line officer work directly with affected partners, such as our permitees, to develop successful implementation strategies for each demonstration project.
/s/ Mark A. Reimers (for)
MIKE DOMBECK
Chief
To: Regional Foresters