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BWCA Wilderness User Fee
The U.S. Forest Service has announced the fully developed version
of their Wilderness User Fee Program. Stemming from deep cuts in Department of
Agriculture budgets, the fee was approved by congress as a way to fund BWCA
Programs. Various Projects that will benefit from the increase in funding will
be User Education, Portage & Campsite Maintenance, and Law Enforcement.
The basic fee was set at $10.00 per person, per trip. As a concession insisted
upon by outfitters who lent their conditional support to the basic concept,
youth (17 and under) will be charged half rate: $5.00. In compliance with
Federal directives, holders of US Golden Age Passport cards, and holders of US
Golden Access cards, will also be charged the half price rate.
At the time an entry permit is reserved, two adult fees are due($20). Upon arrival,
the actual fee is calculated for the actual number and ages of the participants. Any amount
due or refund is settled at that time.
FEE PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE VIA CREDIT CARD NUMBER (ONLY!!)
both at
the time of permit reservation, as well as the final accounting when the permit
is actually issued.
Unlike the non-refundable Reservation Fee($12), the User Fee ($20) is fully refundable
if the trip is cancelled 72 hours or more in advance of the entry date. Should
the original size of the party change, the fee will be adjusted and a credit or
additional charge will be applied to the permitee's credit card by the Boundary
Waters Reservation Office (not North Country Canoe Outfitters).
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