The US Forest Service issued a memorandum on April 8, 2020 instructing Regional Foresters to delay issuing any new bills for land use fees, as well as the deadlines for any outstanding bills, by 90 days. The agency will also waive any interest, penalties or other fees for past due bills if the account was in good standing as of March 13, 2020. The memorandum was issued to provide financial relief to the extent authorized by law due to the impacts of COVID-19. In the memorandum, the Forest Service stated that “our special use permit holders are our strongest partners” and help support local economies, provide public recreational experiences and share in the stewardship of National Forest System lands.
Ouachita National Forest Embracing Recreational Uses
The Supervisor of the Ouachita National Forest recently expressed strong interest in forming partnerships among disparate user groups to enhance recreation in the forest. His