Opponents of a new
pass to visit the Red Rock area of Coconino National Forest near
Sedona, Ariz., are using a rearview mirror tag to claim exemption
from fees. The Forest Service says its fee demonstration program is
needed to restore and enhance a scenic treasure, but members of the
AZ NoFee Coalition fear “the emphasis will go from how best to care
for the land to how best to promote it.” A daily pass costs $5 per
vehicle, or $15 weekly.
NoFee Coalition
spokeswoman Tammy Kelley says the protest has become “very popular”
with visitors. The no-fee rationale: If recreational use such as
hiking or camping is not involved, fees do not apply. The agency
isn’t convinced. Forest Service enforcers have so far issued
citations only to repeat offenders, but a citation of $30 could
become routine. Elsewhere in the nation, protesters have taken to
the courts to challenge penalties in similar recreational fee
programs on public lands (HCN, 2/14/00: Land of the
fee).
Contact AZ NoFee Coalition at 520/773-1064,
write to P.O. Box 874, Flagstaff, AZ 86002 or e-mail
itomni@hotmail.com.
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Tagging a protest.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
