Red Rock Fee Increase

Here is a recap of the public comment meting about the fee increase for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

This is the first draft of the business plan and changes may be made based on the public comment. Comments are due by Nov. 16th to: redrockbp@blm.gov or you can submit by mail to:
BLM
Red Rock Business Plan Comments
4701 N Torrey Pines Dr
Las Vegas NV 89130

Key findings of the business plan:
1. Fee collection is based on Red Rock's original size (65,000 acres) and set of ammenities and needs to reflect the expansion (200,000 acres) of amenities and services offered. The standard amenity fee charged at the 13-mile scenic drive has not increased in more than 10 years.

2. Additional funding is needed for the long term maintenance of current and new facilities if BLM hopes to keep these facilities from falling into disrepair.

3. The core basis of an adjustment in amenity fees is to ensure BLM meets its preservatio, recreation, public enjoyment and visitor experience management goals identified in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Record of Decision. BLM estimates it will need, in addition to current fee collections and congressional appropriations, the equivalent of $985,594 annually for each of the next 10 years. The proposed plan will cover 100% of the cost projection.

4. Sources of funding are experiencing significant annual fluctuations and stabilization of revenue reliability through increased amenity fees is critical.

Questions that were answered during the meeting:

Will all the money stay in RRC?
By law, all the money collected must stay in RRC.

Red Spring Picnic Area Fee
This area will still be available for free use. You may reserve the area for $40 if you want to make sure you have the area.

What is the money going toward?
The money, at this time has not been prioritized. This is your chance to let the BLM know what you would like to see the money go toward. For example, if you would like to seee the money go toward trail maintenance, submit that information to them.
After the public comment period has closed, revisions will be made based on the comments received. Another draft will be written and another public comment meeting will be held in February 2010. The earliest any increase will take place is March 2010.

Here are some suggestions for submitting feedback/comments:

- Be brief and clear
- Comments should be supported by logical reasoning. Rationale are more influential than opinions
- Provide trade-offs
- tell agency: what is missing, what you know, what you don't know
If you have further questions, you may contact Mark Tanaka-Sanders at 702-515-5365
Feel free to contact me as well if you have any other questions.

lvclc.admin@gmail.com

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