Bureau of Land Management 2019 Fee-Free Days

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240–0036
http://www.blm.gov

December 17, 2018

In Reply Refer To:

2930 (250) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 12/17/2018

Information Bulletin No. 2019- 013

To:                  All WO and Field Office Officials

            Attn: Recreation Planners

From:              Assistant Director, Resources and Planning

Subject:          Bureau of Land Management 2019 Fee-Free Days

In calendar year 2019, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will waive recreation-related fees for visitors on January 21 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), February 18 (Washington’s Birthday, also know as “President’s Day”), June 8 (National Get Outdoors Day), September 28 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day). 

Authority for the establishment of “fee-free” days stems from the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. Chapter 87, Section 6804(3)).  For BLM, the requirement to observe “fee-free” days means the waiver of standard amenity fees and day-use fees only (i.e., visitor centers, picnic/day use areas and National Conservation Lands units where fees are charged).  Expanded amenity fees and other fees (i.e., those for group day use, overnight camping, cabin rentals and individual special recreation permits for use of special areas), will remain in effect, unless the field office manager deems it appropriate to waive them.  For data collection and accountability purposes, a zero-value receipt equivalent to a one-day pass may be issued to those visitors whose fee is waived.

While the BLM has coordinated its planned fee-free days with the other Federal recreation agencies, some may offer different fee-free dates.  The BLM field units in jointly managed areas, near, or adjacent to other federal units are encouraged to coordinate to offer similar fee free access as appropriate.  A list with tentative fee-free days for other federal agencies is attached for reference.  The BLM offices are encouraged to promote the fee-free days to the public, communities, and partners as an opportunity to instill land stewardship values and promote the Secretary of the Interior’s priority for expanded public access to hunting, fishing and recreational shooting (Secretary’s Order 3356), as well as enjoyment of the many unique recreation opportunities available on BLM-managed public lands.

For more information about the BLM’s recreation fee program and the list of fee-free days, please visit the Recreation Permits and Fees webpage.  If you have questions concerning this Information Bulletin, please contact Peggi Brooks, BLM Recreation Permits & Fees Program, Recreation and Visitor Services Division (WO-250), at 202-912-7254 or pbrooks@blm.gov.

Signed By:                                                                  Authenticated By:

Kristin Bail                                                                  Ambyr Fowler

Assistant Director                                                       Division of Business Resources, WO-850

Resources and Planning

Attachment

    1- Fee Free Days 2019 – Federal Agencies Tentative Dates (1p.)