Assistant Secretary Lynn Scarlett told the subcommittee that visitation of recreational facilities on federal lands has increased exponentially. Studies show that visitors don’t distinguish among federal agencies, but have come to expect the same services they get in our nations national parks.

“They’re getting something above and beyond the mere presence of the land. They’re getting that campground. They’re getting that potable water at the campground. They’re getting that RV hook-up site. They’re getting something special to them and their visitation and use.”

The Fee Demonstration program has been extended seven times by Congress. Each agency has been allowed to experiment with applying the fees and their reinvestment. Scarlett says the public is willing to pay because they can see on-the-ground results, and that the agencies are working on standardizing the fees through the Recreation Fee Leadership Program. Ron Tull, Interior Department Radio News Service, Washington.