Fee Structure/ Rules and Regulations- Ocala National Forest- revised 9/6/7

[pinkfloyd]

I was at the Umitilla meeting and was told that 80% would go back to the forest for maintenance on the system, not necessarily for grooming of trails, it could be for facility maintanence, picninc tables, etc. So who has the correct answer, or should it be who is lying. That is also what is in the federal register

[BradG47]

Hey Grizzly,

We rode the trails today (wow, it was hot!).  We parked at Lake Delancy Campground and noticed the sign about the new fee structure.   Since its a per operator fee, will they issue a card or a sticker? 

Basically, how will the forest service personnel know who has and has not paid?
Also, so you happen to know when will the new parking lot on Rt 19 be open?

Thanks,

[GrizzlyBear]

You can pay the fee at any visitor station, ranger station or at any trailhead.  At the trailhead there will be Iron Rangers, like at Lake Delancy.  Pay the fee and take the ticket with you.  Hopefully the trailhead t Hwy 19 and the one on FR 75 will open within 2 weeks.

[wilburz]

I won't be dropping a penny for that dumb permit. as a matter of fact, i hope the trail tenders pick up my empty cans as that will be all they will be getting from me that is worth anything. unreal. what is next? probably have to pay for a guide to ride those lame trails next year. what a joke.   

I don't live up there dude! And i was joking about leaving my empties there. I am not a litterer!

[GrizzlyGator]

Terry, Stupid question but I'm gonna ask anyway...The 7 day and 3 day passes do they run concurrently or possibly are they like a Disney pass and you get stamped each time you use them until you reach your limit? Either way I know some here think its a bit pricey, but I don't personally think its that bad at all...someone like me and my family (with three quads x $10.00 = $30.00) a visit is not that bad considering and I'll probably only make it down there about 3 - 4 times a year...at least we have the option of not buying a yearly pass like croom and not getting our moneys worth!!

[GrizzlyBear]

It is 3 days or 7 days in a row.  However, for a weekend, if it is 2 adults and 2 under 16 the fee is $30.00

[12secTA]

Will you still be able to pay to day park and ride out from at Big Scrub campground?  The link posted states:

"Starting in October, 2007 the forest will be transitioning away from allowing day use parking, for the purpose of OHV riding, out of Delancy and Big Scrub.  Only campers will be allowed to use these areas.  Since we now have trailheads open, the forest will be directing all day use to park at the trailheads."

It's nice to set up camp at Big Scrub for lunch and the restrooms are a plus for the wife.

[GrizzlyBear]

Until they get trailheads in Phase II, yes you will.  Once new trailheads are built, then you won't.  They would like you to park under the power lines in the designated areas now.  They are having problems with day users using the best camping spots.

[stacktester]

Until they get trailheads in Phase II, yes you will.  Once new trailheads are built, then you won't.  They would like you to park under the power lines in the designated areas now.  They are having problems with day users using the best camping spots.

I can understand that Terry. Now that it's getting cooler we're planning on coming down. I guess I'll stop and get my daughter and me legaled up. I truly hope the trails we're keeping are groomed. I still think it sucks that other states are TRYING to open places to ride but FL seems to always want to close trails. I wish somebody like Durhamtown would open a place and the USFS could take the chincy areas we have left and they could shove it up their a$$eS.

[Yamahonda41]

I started a thread about hunting vs. riding on the numbered trails in winter but no one responded.  Now that we have given up so much
riding area it seems that we should be able to ride on the numbered trails without fear of being harassed by hunters.  The trails are only about 1/4 of ONF leaving 3/4 for hunting.


Is there anything official or unofficial? 

[pinkfloyd]

Currently no fees are in effect for the Phase II (central portion) of the forest. Pending a decision, trails will be designated and fees will apply.

It sounds like they will want more money out of your pocket when phase II is complete?

[Tecatematt]

That fee is bullS***!!!!    First off the riding there isnt that good.  2nd they are like closing every thing off Wtf, and on top of that now we have to pay to ride the the woops!  They will never see a dang dime out of me and my family!!!!!

[ar963]

They are getting exactly what they want !  Less ATV users through financial pressure and limiting riding areas.  They did it at Big Cypress years ago and it worked.  I hardly ever go now and I have a place in Hog Valley.

[alafiaoutlaw]

EFFECTIVE    1 OCTOBER, 2007


This is the offical Ocala National Forest website with the fees and rules

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/recreation/ocala_ohv.shtml

Ok, Now some of the local businesses are seeing the effects from the fees and less people wanting to come and visit the area now. The fees are making the local businesses lose money.

[alafiaoutlaw]

Local businesses are losing money because of less visiters willing to pay the fees. They are hurting our communitee. Less visiters = Less money

[KENDO]

They are having problems with day users using the best camping spots.

Been there 3 times now,have not seen a camper yet that was not there to go 4 wheeling.I did see one guy living out of the back of his car...

[jayman]

I am receiving an email from a ranger in Ocala stating that you do not have to pay the $75.00 fee for riding while riding @ Big Scrub.  Who knows if this is really true?