Fee Program Proposal Public Meetings

Date: October 19, 2011
Contact: Bob DeGross, 239-695-1107

Big Cypress National Preserve has been preparing a Fee Program Proposal to consider increasing existing camping fees at Monument Lake and Midway Campgrounds as well as dump station fees at Dona Drive and Midway Campgrounds. It will also propose incorporating the following campgrounds into the fee program: Bear Island Campground, Pink Jeep Backcountry Campground, Gator Head Backcountry Campground, Burns Lake Campground, Mitchell's Landing Campground and Pinecrest Campground. This proposal does not affect dispersed, backcountry camping.

As part of our public engagement process the Superintendent's Office will host public meetings from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Edison State College, 7007 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples, Florida, and Wednesday, November 2, 2011, at Oasis Visitor Center, Big Cypress National Preserve, 52105 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida.

The meetings will provide an opportunity for the public to review the draft proposal and provide comment and suggestions on changes prior to the creation of a final approved plan. Information will be provided regarding the current status of this effort, and NPS staff will be available to answer questions. The meetings will be held in an "open house" format. There will be a short introductory presentation at the beginning of each meeting, but you are invited to visit at any point during the scheduled time to review materials and provide comment.

You may review read ahead materials at - http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=39257

At the conclusion of the two meetings a 30 day comment period will commence from 11/3/11-12/2/11 during which the public may provide written comments to Preserve staff.