BLM seeks input on proposed fee changes for Dalton Highway campgrounds and the addition of new public use cabins.

A draft business plan outlines the use of recreation fees and proposed fee changes

Organization

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Central Yukon Field Office

Media Contact:

Coldfoot cedar cabin during the winter. Snow is piled on the roof and around the cabin. A narrow trail leads to the front door.

FAIRBANKS, Alaska — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Central Yukon Field Office welcomes public comment through May 20, 2023, on a draft business plan for BLM recreation sites on the Dalton Highway. The draft plan includes proposals to adjust use and reservation fees for campgrounds and proposes three new public use cabins.    

“The BLM takes pride in supporting quality recreation opportunities on public lands. We expect the Dalton Highway’s new public use cabin system will expand the recreation opportunities along the remote highway, especially the winter recreation opportunities. The recreation fees make managing these facilities possible, as the fees paid here will be reinvested right back into the Dalton Highway’s facilities,” said Central Yukon Field Office Manager Tim La Marr. 

The draft business plan includes information related to the recreation fee sites, proposed fee changes, operation and maintenance costs, planned expenditures, a financial analysis and potential impacts of fee changes. The business plan includes the following modifications:  

  • Increase the individual campsite fee at Marion Creek, Five Mile, Arctic Circle, and Galbraith Lake Campground from $10.00 to $12.00.  

  • Establish a fee of $42.00 per night for three proposed cabin sites identified in this plan.  

  • Add an expanded amenity fee for reservation services across the field office.  

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004 requires that all fees collected from recreation sites be reinvested for services, maintenance, and improvements to the sites. Fees may be adjusted from time to time to reflect changes in costs, due to inflation, and to ensure a fair return for the use of public lands. 

The fee changes are necessary to meet the growing expenses of the Dalton Highway’s campground program that stem from an increase in public use. The new fees for the Marion Creek and Arctic Circle campgrounds would take effect during the 2024 summer season to provide time this summer to update signage and information materials. The BLM will continue to operate the other two Dalton Highway BLM campgrounds, Galbraith Lake and Five Mile, as non-fee sites until amenity upgrades such as picnic tables, fire rings and level sites are available. The campground upgrades are expected within the next five years. 

The Coldfoot Cabin is currently used administratively during the summer months and will made available for rent as a public use cabin during the winter months, after a six-month period of notice for the new fee site in the Federal Register. Two additional public use cabins, one at Galbraith Lake and one at Arctic Circle, are planned to be built within the next five years. 

Public comments on the proposed recreation use fee changes will be accepted through May 20, 2023 and may be submitted using the following methods:  

  • E-mail: CentralYukon@blm.gov  

  • Mail: BLM Central Yukon Field Office, 222 University Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99709 

Contact Stephen Taylor with questions at (907) 474-2200. 

-BLM- 

Bureau Of Land Management, Fairbanks District Office, 222 University Avenue, Fairbanks, AK  99709 

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The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.