The Cleveland National Forest has extended the public comment period on proposed recreation fee increases through Sept. 30, according to City News Service and ABC 10News. The proposal includes new or higher fees at recreation sites throughout the forest, including several destinations used by East County hikers and campers.

Under the proposal, Three Sisters Falls and Cedar Creek Falls would move from no permit requirement to a $4 daily fee. Boulder Oaks Equestrian Campground would see single-site fees rise by $10 and double sites by $20, while other campgrounds, including Ataxam Ma'mta'ash, El Cariso and Fry Creek, would see larger increases.

Forest officials said the money would support maintenance, operations, infrastructure improvements and seasonal staffing. The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act allows the Forest Service to keep at least 80% of recreation fees collected at local sites for those purposes.

For Santee residents, the proposal matters because Cleveland National Forest trailheads and campgrounds are among the closest mountain and waterfall recreation options east of town. Comments may be mailed to Cleveland National Forest, emailed to sm.fs.r5_fee_prop_cleveland@usda.gov, submitted online through the Forest Service information page, or delivered orally in person or by phone during normal business hours.

After the Sept. 30 deadline, the proposed changes will be reviewed by an advisory committee before recommendations go to the regional forester for a final decision, according to the report.