[ft-l] FOREST SERVICE WAIVES ENTRANCE FEES OVER VETERANS DAY

[ft-l@mailman.backcountry.net (Kent Wimmer/NONFS/USDAFS)]

FYI -

FOREST SERVICE WAIVES ENTRANCE FEES OVER VETERANS DAY

Tallahassee, FL ? The USDA Forest Service will join the National Park
Service and other federal agencies in waiving fees at some of our
recreation areas during the three-day Veteran's Day weekend, November
10-12, Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth announced today.

"We extend this invitation to recognize the sacrifices of veterans and the
efforts of all rescue workers, as well as the families that lost loved ones
and friends in the September 11 terrorist attacks," Bosworth said.

In Florida, all fees will be waived for campgrounds and picnic areas run by
the Forest Service.  On the Ocala National Forest, Salt Springs Marina will
also waive fees.  Other concessionaire operated areas on the Ocala,
including Silver Glen Springs, Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs,
Clearwater Lake, Wildcat Lake and Salt Springs Recreation Area, will still
require a fee.

 "During this time of national crisis, the employees of the Forest Service
invite everyone to reconnect with the natural world," Bosworth said.
"National forests and grasslands offer a tremendous diversity of landscapes
in which to recreate and renew," the Chief noted.

The three National Forests in Florida, the Apalachicola, the Osceola and
the Ocala, offer a wide range of recreational opportunities from hiking to
scuba diving.  Visitors can find opportunity for solitude at any of the
seven wilderness areas or fellowship with family and friends at any one of
the numerous picnic areas and campgrounds.

 "We hope you will take this opportunity to visit your National Forests in
Florida," said Marsha Kearney, Forest Supervisor.  "We are looking forward
to helping make your Veterans Day weekend more enjoyable and memorable."

The Forest Service is an agency within the Department of Agriculture.  It
manages 155 national forests and 20 grasslands, covering 191 million acres
in 44 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.  It includes 399
wilderness areas, 133,087 miles of hiking, horse, and off-highway vehicle
trails, extensive hunting and fishing opportunities, numerous heritage
sites, 4,300 campgrounds, and 31 national recreation areas, scenic areas,
and monuments.


**************************************************************************************************

Kent L. Wimmer, AICP
Florida National Scenic Trail Liaison
Florida Trail Association, Inc.
kwimmer@fs.fed.us
(850) 942-9376 (w)
(850) 942-9378 (fax)
(850) 386-8442 (h)
Mailing address:
USDA Forest Service
National Forests in Florida
325 John Knox Rd, F-100
Tallahassee, FL 32303-4160
**************************************************************************************************