The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has announced fee increases for recreational sites in the San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF). Comments on the proposal should be submitted by Oct. 1.

Seven of the sites are in the San Jacinto Ranger District. Six campgrounds — Black Mountain group, Boulder Basin, Dark Canyon, Fern Basin, Marion Mountain and Pinyon Flat — will see fee increases if approved. The seventh recreation area is the Ribbonwood Equestrian Camp.

Basically, the current fees will double. For example, a camp site at Boulder Basin is $10 per night and would increase to $20. Also, the fee for an extra vehicle will go from $5 to $10.

The same changes are being proposed for single sites at the Fern Basin and Marion Mountain campgrounds.

The new fees would be the same at Dark Canyon and Pinyon Flats, but the current fee at Dark Canyon is $12 and at Pinyon Flats it is $8.

Black Mountain campground is for groups. A group of one to 24 people currently pays $50 a night and the Forest Service wants to double that to $100 per night. For groups of more than 24 people, the fee would go from $75 to $150 a night.

At the Ribbonwood Equestrian campground, eight are spaces capable of accommodating large vehicles and trailers. The current fee is $15 and would increase to $30.

The other two sites are located in the San Bernardino Mountains. In the Front Country District, the Applewhite Campground fee would increase from $10 to $25 for a single site. At the Mountain Top District, the Big Pine Flat OHV Staging Area fee would go from free to $5 per vehicle.

These fees will benefit the SBNF and will be used to operate, maintain and improve its facilities.

Pursuant to the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, all new fees and any fee changes must be proposed and approved by a citizen’s advisory committee. Committee members represent a broad array of recreation interest groups to help ensure the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable new fees and fee changes.

After public involvement, the proposed fee changes will be reviewed by a Recreation Advisory Committee, who will submit their recommendation to the Regional Forester for a final decision, the USFS release stated.

For a map and to submit comments online, visit the Forest Service Recreation Fee Proposal site at usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=f6a8f81baf2843c8bd96c8035d8cc3bc.

Written comments also may be submitted to the San Bernardino National Forest, Attention: Jonar Rodrigo, 602 S. Tippecanoe Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92408. Email is acceptable also to sm.fs.BDFFEEPROP@usda.gov.

Verbal comments may be provided in person at the San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor’s Office (located at the above mailing address) during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals may also call 909-382-2682 to provide comments on the proposed recreation fee changes.

For more information on the proposed project, visit the SBNF website at www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf.