National Forest Adventure Pass
|
|
The National Forest Adventure Pass is a parking permit issued by the United States Forest Service that permits bearers in the four National Forests in Southern California to park their cars for the purpose of recreation.
- Angeles National Forest
- Cleveland National Forest
- Los Padres National Forest
- San Bernardino National Forest
It is the local element of the controversial national Recreational Fee Demonstration Program system that imposes fees on the public to use public lands. Proponents say that local forests need more funding and that user fees put the costs on those who use the facilities. Critics note that the Adventure Pass was promoted by a coalition of companies, including amusement park owners, who would benefit indirectly from the money expended and the loss of a free source of recreation. Critics also note that private lumber companies receive large subsidies from the same Forest Service. Critics further state that most of the money generated has gone for staff hired to enforce the requirement, producing little surplus for local projects.
The Legislative Counsel of California has determined that the National Forest Service may not cite cars for parking on state highways within national forests unless there is evidence that the occupants have used the forest for recreational purposes (for example, the occupants have been observed entering the forest). The National Forest Service invites those who feel they have been cited unjustly to write to an address on the citation to appeal.
Passes may be purchased for annual or day use from visitor centers and local merchants. Violators receive a "Notice of noncompliance" and may clear the notice by purchasing a pass after the violation. Punishment of noncompliant individuals has been rare. In theory, use of the forests for non-recreational, First Amendment purposes does not require an Adventure Pass.
External links
- Forest Service site (http://www.fsadventurepass.org/)
- Free Our Forests (http://www.freeourforests.org/)
- Legislative Counsel's formal opinion on enforcement on State Highways (http://www.edibleplants.com/advpashighways.htm)