BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 1 of 20
BLM Shoshone Field Office Recreation
Fee Sites Business Plan
July 2024
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 2 of 20
BLM Shoshone Field Office Recreation Sites Business Plan
Recommendations, Reviews, and Approvals
Recommended by:
______________________________________________________________________________
Codie Martin, Shoshone Field Manager Date
Reviewed by:
______________________________________________________________________________
Michael Courtney, Twin Falls District Manager Date
Approved by:
______________________________________________________________________________
Peter Ditton, Idaho State Director Date
This business plan was prepared by the Bureau of Land Management’s Shoshone Field Office pursuant to
the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004 (16 U.S.C. 6801-6814) and BLM recreation fee
program policies. It establishes future management goals and priorities for the Wilson Lake, Silver Creek,
and Magic Reservoir campsites within the Shoshone Field Office.
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 3 of 20
United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Shoshone Field Office
400 West F Street
Shoshone, Idaho 83352
In Reply Refer to:
2932 (IDI03000)
Dear Reader,
I would like to present for your review and comment the Draft Business Plan for the Shoshone Field
Office (SFO) Fee Sites Program. Currently there are no fee sites within the SFO. This draft business
plan proposes to charge $20/night at the Silver Creek and Wilson Lake Campgrounds, at all campgrounds
at Magic Reservoir once they have been upgraded, and any campgrounds developed in the future. It also
includes a $10/day or $75 annual fee for using the BLM boat ramps located at Magic Reservoir,
Moonstone and West Magic, and once repaired, East Magic. The proposed fees will support public health
and safety needs due to increased visitor use, and the cost of yearly operations and maintenance
associated with these facilities. The rationale for the fees, comparison to fees at other campgrounds and
boat launches with similar amenities, operating costs, and anticipated revenue is found in this business
plan.
The Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FPLMA) authorizes the BLM to regulate the use of
public lands, and the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) authorizes the BLM to collect
recreational fees when sites and areas meet specific criteria. With the increase in use and necessary
facilities, these sites now meet or will meet the criteria outlined in FLREA. Other recreation sites within
the SFO may undergo facility upgrades in the future and will then also meet FLREA guidelines.
The proposed fees outlined in this business plan would be initiated May 1, 2025 or 180 days following the
publication of a Federal Register notice announcing the new fees. The business plan also outlines that
future fee increases will be tied to the Western U.S. Consumer Price Index to keep up with any increases
in management and maintenance costs.
A public comment period has been established to give you the opportunity to submit feedback on the
proposed business plan and associated fee proposal. Comments are due by August 24, 2024. Comments
will be accepted through the following means:
Email: BLM_ID_ShoshoneOffice@blm.gov
U.S. Mail: BLM Shoshone Field Office, 400 West F Street, Shoshone, ID, 83352
Thank you for your interest in public lands.
Sincerely,
Codie Martin
Field Manager
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 4 of 20
Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................... 6
2 Background and Authorities ................................................................................................................. 7
3 Introduction to the Field Office Recreation Program ........................................................................... 8
4 Description of Each Existing or Proposed Fee Site/Area ...................................................................... 9
5 Proposed Recreation Expanded Amenity Fee Rates ........................................................................... 15
6 Operating Costs ................................................................................................................................... 15
7 Revenues ............................................................................................................................................. 16
8 Priorities for Future Expenditures....................................................................................................... 16
9 Analysis of Recreation Fee Rates ........................................................................................................ 17
10 Impacts from Changing and Non-Changing Recreation Fee Rates ..................................................... 18
i. Impacts of Adopting Proposed Fees ............................................................................................... 19
ii. Impacts of Not Adopting Proposed Fees ........................................................................................ 19
iii. Fee Discounts .................................................................................................................................. 20
11 Public Outreach ................................................................................................................................... 20
i. Feedback Mechanisms .................................................................................................................... 20
Tables
Table 1: Estimated Number of Visitors to Shoshone Field Office, Fiscal Years 2019-2023 .......................... 9
Table 2: Expanded amenity fee sites for developed campgrounds must provide at least the majority of
the identified amenities. ............................................................................................................................... 9
Table 3: 2023 estimated recreation fee site expenditures. ........................................................................ 16
Table 4: Estimated revenues from fee sites................................................................................................ 16
Table 5: Campground amenity and fee comparisons ................................................................................. 17
Table 6: Boat ramp amenity and fee comparisons ..................................................................................... 17
Figures
Figure 1: Silver Creek North Campsite .......................................................................................................... 9
Figure 2: Silver Creek South Campsite ........................................................................................................ 10
Figure 3: Silver Creek Campground Location Map...................................................................................... 10
Figure 4: Wilson Lake Campground ............................................................................................................ 11
Figure 5: Wilson Lake Campground Location Map ..................................................................................... 11
Figure 6: Magic Reservoir Location Map .................................................................................................... 12
Figure 7: Lava Creek Campground Conceptual Design ............................................................................... 12
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 5 of 20
Figure 8: Lava Cove Campground Conceptual Design ................................................................................ 13
Figure 9: Myrtle Point Campground Conceptual Design ............................................................................ 13
Figure 10: Richfield Diversion Campground & Boat Ramp Conceptual Design .......................................... 14
Figure 11: Moonstone Campground & Boat Ramp Conceptual Design ..................................................... 14
Figure 12: West Magic Boat Ramp & Parking Conceptual Design .............................................................. 15
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 6 of 20
1 Executive Summary
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Shoshone Field Office (SFO) prepared this recreation fee business
plan pursuant to the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) of December 2004 (P.L. 108-
477, as amended) and BLM recreation permit and fee program policy. FLREA provides the BLM the
authority to charge and collect recreation fees for benefits and services provided to visitors. FLREA also
authorizes the BLM to retain collected fees locally, outlines how revenues may be used, and identifies
specific limitations on recreation fees. Collected revenue may be expended for benefits and services such
as facility repair, maintenance, enhancement, interpretation, visitor information and services, visitor needs
assessments, signs, restoration, law enforcement related to public use and recreation, and operating or
capital costs directly associated with the recreation fee program.
BLM Manual 2930 requires field offices to produce a business plan when establishing new fee areas and
sites and developing or changing recreation fees. The business plan outlines the fee program for the
identified location and thoroughly discusses and explains how fees are consistent with the criteria set forth
in FLREA. Business plans assist offices in determining appropriate fee rates, outlining the costs of
administering fee programs, and identifying priorities for future fee program expenditures. The plan also
serves as the outreach document to provide the public with opportunities to participate in the development
of or modification of recreation fees.
The SFO manages two campgrounds and two boat ramps that meet the fee collection criteria established
by FLREA. This business plan describes the recreation fee sites, planned fee revenue expenditures, a
financial analysis of fee charges for other similar recreation facilities, and impacts of proposed fee changes.
After careful consideration of the anticipated revenues and expenditures, and comparison with other
regional recreation providers, the SFO proposes the following fees:
• Establish an expanded amenity fee of $20/night at the Silver Creek and Wilson Lake Campgrounds
and future developed campgrounds at Magic Reservoir.
• Establish an expanded amenity fee of $10/day or $75 annual pass for Moonstone or West Magic
Reservoir boat launches.
The proposed fees are necessary to meet the growing expenses of the recreation fee sites program especially
the rising cost of annual maintenance and the associated increase in public use. Developed campgrounds
and boat ramps are management tools used to prevent further resource damage and to provide better visitor
services. Recreation fees are also considered a way to ensure that those who actively use developed
recreation opportunities make a reasonable contribution towards protecting and enhancing those
opportunities.
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 7 of 20
2 Background and Authorities
This business plan has been prepared to meet the criteria defined in the Federal Lands Recreation
Enhancement Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-447; Title VIII, Section 801; 16 U.S.C. 6801–6814). The
authorities and regulations for this business plan are:
• The Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of 1976 (Public Law 94-579; 43
U.S.C. 1701–1787), contains BLM’s general land use management authority over the public
lands, and establishes outdoor recreation as one of the principal uses of those lands. Section 302
(b) of FLPMA directs the Secretary of the Interior to regulate through permits or other
instruments the use of the public lands. Section 303 of FLPMA contains BLM’s authority to
enforce the regulations and impose penalties.
• The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) of 2004 repealed applicable
portions of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act and replaced BLM’s authority to collect
recreation fees. This current law authorizes BLM to collect recreation fees at sites that meet
certain requirements, allows BLM to keep the fee revenues at the local offices where they were
collected, and directs how BLM will manage and utilize these revenues. FLREA also established
the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Pass Program.
• Title 43 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 2930 (43 CFR 2930) Permits for Recreation on
Public Lands contains the regulations governing BLM’s recreation permitting program.
This business plan has also been prepared pursuant to all applicable BLM recreation fee program policies
and guidance, including:
• BLM Manual 2930, Recreation Permits and Fees, Rel. 2-296 dated October 22, 2007
• BLM Handbook 2930-1, Recreation Permit and Fee Administration Handbook, Rel. 2-300 dated
November 17, 2014
Definitions of Standard and Expanded Amenities taken from FLREA and the BLM recreation fee
program policy and manual for the area covered under this business plan:
• Expanded Amenity Recreation Fees cover specialized outdoor recreation sites and services
including but not limited to developed campgrounds with at least a majority of the following
amenities: (1) tent or trailer spaces, (2) picnic tables, (3) drinking water, (4) access roads, (5) fee
collection by an employee or agent of the BLM, (6) reasonable visitor protection, (7) refuse
containers, (8) toilet facilities, (9) simple devices for containing a campfire (Sec. 803.(g)(2)(A) of
REA).
• Additional Expanded Amenity recreation facilities or services include rental of cabins, group day-
use or overnight sites, binoculars or other equipment (Sec.803.(g)(2)(C) of REA); use of hookups for
electricity, cable, or sewer (Sec.803.(g)(2)(D) of REA); use of sanitary dump stations
(SEC.803.(g)(2)(E) of REA); and use of reservation services (Sec.803.(g)(2)(G) of REA).
• Use of highly developed boat launches with specialized facilities or services such as
mechanical or hydraulic boat lifts or facilities, multi-lane paved ramps, paved parking,
restrooms and other improvements such as boarding floats, loading ramps, or fish cleaning
stations.
The BLM strives to manage recreation and visitor services to serve the diverse visitor outdoor recreation
demands while helping to maintain sustainable setting conditions needed to conserve the public lands, so
the visitors’ desired recreation choices remain available. The BLM’s goals for providing recreation
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 8 of 20
opportunities on BLM-administered lands and waters to the American people and their communities are
to:
• Improve access to appropriate recreation opportunities,
• Ensure a quality experience and enjoyment of natural and cultural resources, and
• Provide for and receive fair value in recreation.
This business plan will assist the SFO in meeting these recreation and visitor service goals. This plan
covers both existing campgrounds and boat ramps operated by the field office and establishes a business
plan framework if additional facilities are built and/or upgraded to the level outlined by FLREA.
Additional recreation sites were analyzed and included in the Programmatic Shoshone Field Office
Recreation Site Upgrades Environmental Assessment and Decision Record. This business plan would be
updated in the future if fees were to be considered at any new developed recreation site within the SFO.
3 Introduction to the Field Office Recreation Program
The SFO offers stunning scenery, peaceful solitude and outstanding opportunities for year-round
recreation including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, alpine and Nordic skiing, snowmobiling,
motorized and non-motorized trails, and scenic viewing.
The Shoshone Field Office is in south-central Idaho and manages approximately 1.7 million acres of
public lands within Blaine, Lincoln, Gooding, Jerome, Minidoka, Camas, Elmore, Power and Butte
Counties. It is home to the largest known density of caves within BLM and manages nearly 40% of the
Bald Mountain Ski Area in Sun Valley. In this region, the BLM co-manages the Craters of the Moon
National Monument and Preserve (CRMO) with the National Park Service, which features some of the
best examples of recent basaltic volcanic flows on the mainland. Another unique feature to the Shoshone
Field Office is Black Magic Canyon, where the Big Wood River has carved a narrow path of exquisite,
swirling rock sculptures into the surrounding black basalt. The four-mile section of complex carvings and
potholes is one of the best and most beautiful examples of eroded river bedrock in the United
States. Recreation opportunities attracted 1,260,500 visits (Recreation Management Information
Systems) to the SFO and CRMO in 2023.
The SFO manages seven non-fee campgrounds. Silver Creek and Wilson Lake campgounds are
developed with sufficient amenities to allow the BLM to charge expanded amenity fees. The five others
are considered semi-developed campgrounds at Magic Reservoir and, according to FLREA’s
requirements, do not currently have sufficient amenities to charge fees. These semi-developed
campgrounds have been auhtorized through the National Enviornmental Policy Act (NEPA) and
associated decision record to be upgraded and meet the FLREA requirements. These sites are
Moonstone, Lava Creek, Lava Cove, Myrtle Point and Richfield Diversion. Once a semi-developed
campground has been upgraded and meets FLREA’s requirements of expanded amenities, fees could be
charged at those sites as well. In addition to the campgrounds at Magic Reservoir there are two
developed boat launches at Magic with sufficient amenities that qualify the BLM to charge expanded
amenity fees. The boat launch amenities include paved ramps, parking, access to restrooms and
other improvements such as boat docks, lifejacket loaner station, and kiosk. One additional boat
launch at East Magic does not currently have sufficient amenities to charge fees.
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 9 of 20
Table 1: Estimated Number of Visitors to Shoshone Field Office, Fiscal Years 2019-2023
Fiscal Year
Shoshone Field Office Estimated Number of Visitors (Use dramatically
changes based on reservoir/water levels and snow conditions on Bald Mountain.)
FY2019
810,976
FY2020
837,335
FY2021
792,933
FY2022
906,968
FY2023
1,260,584
4 Description of Each Existing or Proposed Fee Site/Area
The table below lists the campgrounds and the types of amenities offered or proposed to be offered prior
to implementing an expanded amenity fee.
Tent/trailer
space
Picnic
tables
Drinking
Water
Access
roads
Fee
Collection
Visitor
protection
Refuse
containers
Toilet
Fire ring
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Proposed
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Proposed
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Proposed
Proposed
No
Yes
Proposed
Yes
No
Yes
Proposed
Proposed
Proposed
No
Yes
Proposed
Yes
No
Yes
Proposed
Proposed
Proposed
No
Yes
Proposed
Yes
No
Yes
Proposed
Proposed
Proposed
No
Yes
Proposed
Yes
No
Yes
Proposed
Proposed
Proposed
No
Yes
Proposed
Yes
No
Yes
Proposed
Table 2: Expanded amenity fee sites for developed campgrounds must provide at least the majority of the identified amenities.
Figure 1: Silver Creek North
Campsite
Silver Creek Campground
Silver Creek Campground is a
proposed expanded amenity fee
site. It is a three-site campground
located 9 miles southwest of
Carey, Idaho. . It meets the
FLREA expanded amenity
requirements, see Table 2. It
meets the FLREA expanded
amenity requirements, see Table
2. The sites see consistent use
spring – fall. Silver Creek North
was upgraded in 2019 and Silver
Creek South was upgraded in
2017. The Silver Creek campground is immediately downstream of the world-class trout stream fishery
that flows through the Nature Conservancy’s Silver Creek Preserve.
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 10 of 20
Figure 2: Silver Creek South Campsite
Figure 3: Silver Creek Campground Location Map
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 11 of 20
Figure 4: Wilson Lake Campground
Wilson Lake Campground
Wilson Lake Campground is a proposed
fee site. It is an eight-site campground
located 1.5 miles north of Hazelton,
Idaho. It meets the FLREA expanded
amenity requirements, see Table 2. The
sites will see consistent use spring – fall.
The campground was constructed in 2023.
Wilson Lake provides opportunities for
motorized and non-motorized water-based
recreation as well as wildlife watching
and birding.
Figure 5: Wilson Lake Campground Location Map
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 12 of 20
Magic Reservoir Campgrounds and Boat Ramps
Figure 6: Magic Reservoir Location Map
Lava Creek Campground
Figure 7: Lava Creek Campground Conceptual Design
Lava Creek Campground is located approximately 30
miles north of Shoshone, Idaho. It currently does not
meet the FLREA expanded amenity requirements, see
Table 2. However, prior to implementing an expanded
amenity fee the campground will be upgraded to meet
FLREA requirements. The sites will see consistent use
spring – fall. The campground is expected to be
upgraded within the next 3-5 years.
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 13 of 20
Lava Cove Campground
Figure 8: Lava Cove Campground Conceptual Design
Lava Cove Campground is located approximately 30 miles
north of Shoshone, Idaho. It currently does not meet the
FLREA expanded amenity requirements, see Table 2.
However, prior to implementing an expanded amenity fee
the campground will be upgraded to meet FLREA
requirements. The sites will see consistent use spring –
fall. The campground is expected to be upgraded in 3 – 5
years.
Myrtle Point Campground
Figure 9: Myrtle Point Campground Conceptual Design
Myrtle Point Campground is located approximately 30
miles north of Shoshone, Idaho. It currently does not
meet the FLREA expanded amenity requirements, see
Table 2. However, prior to implementing an expanded
amenity fee the campground will be upgraded to meet
FLREA requirements. The sites will see consistent use
spring – fall. The campground is expected to be
upgraded within the next 3-5 years.
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 14 of 20
Richfield Diversion Campground and Boat Ramp
Figure 10: Richfield Diversion Campground &
Boat Ramp Conceptual Design
Richfield Diversion Campground is located
approximately 30 miles north of Shoshone, Idaho.
It currently does not meet the FLREA expanded
amenity requirements, see Table 2. However,
prior to implementing an expanded amenity fee
the campground will be upgraded to meet FLREA
requirements. The sites will see consistent use
spring – fall. The campground is expected to be
upgraded in the next 3-5 years. The boat ramp
does not meet the FLREA expanded amenity fee
requirements and there are no plans to upgrade it
to meet them therefore, no fees are being
proposed to use this facility.
Moonstone Campground and Boat Ramp
Figure 11: Moonstone Campground & Boat Ramp
Conceptual Design
Moonstone Campground is located approximately 18
miles southwest of Bellevue, Idaho. It currently does
not meet the FLREA expanded amenity
requirements, see Table 2. However, prior to
implementing an expanded amenity fee the
campground will be upgraded to meet FLREA
requirements. The sites will see consistent use
spring – fall. The campground is expected to be
upgraded in the next 3-5 years.
Moonstone boat ramp meets the FLREA expanded
amenity fee requirements. It is a concrete ramp
accessed by gravel road, access to a toilet gravel
parking, and visitor protection. These amenities are
all in good to fair condition.
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 15 of 20
West Magic Boat Ramp
Figure 12: West Magic Boat Ramp & Parking Conceptual
Design
West Magic boat ramp is located approximately 30 miles
north of Shoshone, Idaho and is a very busyboat ramp when
the reservoir is full or partially full. It meets the FLREA
expanded amenity fee requirements. It is a concrete ramp is
accessed by gravel road, gravel parking, visitor protection,
kiosk, and a life-jacket loaner station. These amenities are all
in fair condition.
5 Proposed Recreation Expanded Amenity Fee Rates
These sites will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis. The SFO will use various e-commerce
technologies as directed in BLM Instruction Memorandum 2022-010, to provide recreation visitors
opportunities to find, reserve and pay for campsites and day use within the field office. Most of these
options are provided through the interagency reservation service Recreation.gov. If the SFO decides to
add reservation services or other types of e-commerce options available in the future, an expanded
amenity fee for reservation services would be charged in addition to any other standard or expanded
amenity fees in accordance with 16 U.S.C. 6802(g)(2)(G).
If the SFO decides to add reservation services, then reservation service fees are charged and could range
from $0.50 to $10.00 depending on the type of service provided. The reservation service fee is subject to
contracting requirements and will be adjusted with contract changes or with future updates to the business
plan. The field office would provide a blend of reservation and first-come, first served options at each of
the campgrounds and day use areas. This accommodates visitors who do not desire to pay the expanded
amenity fee for reservation services. Other payment options may also be considered in the future as
technology and software develops.
6 Operating Costs
The SFO expends considerable resources in managing the recreation sites. Direct costs for recreation
management include BLM labor, toilet cleaning and pumping, vehicles and vehicle maintenance, law
enforcement, maintaining signage, maintenance materials and supplies. The SFO spends approximately
$59,340 each year to operate and maintain these recreation sites. The table below is a breakdown of
approximate costs associated with managing these sites. These expenditures represent a typical year,
although some years may be higher due to unforeseen circumstances.
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 16 of 20
Table 3: 2023 estimated recreation fee site expenditures.
Expenditure
Amount
Labor – Park Ranger (6 months)
$25,000
Toilet pumping
$2,000
Maintenance Supplies
$2,000
Vehicles/Fuel
$3,000
Road grading
$2,340
Total Expenditure
$34,340
7 Revenues
Visitors camping overnight at the fee campgrounds within the SFO will be required to obtain a
recreational use permit (RUP). This will be accomplished using the Scan & Pay feature on
Recreation.gov to obtain a RUP for any of the SFO fee campgrounds or boat launches. Estimated revenue
for these sites are based on 50% occupancy (campgrounds) and use (boat ramps) from May 15 – October
1
st
(135 days).
Table 4: Estimated revenues from fee sites.
Campground
Amount
Wilson Lake (4 sites @ $20/night)
$10,800
Silver Creek (1.5 sites @ $20/night)
$4,050
Magic Reservoir sites (7.5 sites@ $20/night
$20,250
Magic Reservoir boat ramps combined (10 launches/day@ $10/boat)
$6,750
Total estimated revenue
$41,850
To keep up with rising management and maintenance costs, the SFO will lean on the average annual
Western U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) to make future fee adjustments, starting the year after fees are
initially charged. When the increase or decrease in the CPI reaches a $2 increment the fees would be
adjusted accordingly. For example, with a $20 fee for individual campsites, a 10 percent increase in the
Western U.S. CPI would lead to a $2 increase in fees to $22. Typically, the Western U.S. CPI increases
approximately 3 percent a year. Thus, it would likely take 4 years to increase the fees by $2. The BLM
would inform the BLM Idaho Resource Advisory Council (RAC) before each fee increase and provide an
update on successes and challenges in using the Western U.S. CPI.
8 Priorities for Future Expenditures
Revenue would be used to support expenditures and any carryover would be used to supplement deferred
maintenance projects such as road grading, toilet repairs, picnic table replacement, visitor information
upgrades, etc.
The SFO’s primary goal for recreation fee sites is to provide high-quality recreation opportunities for all
visitors. Recreation fee revenue will support operations of the sites. The following is an initial list of priority
expenditures that recreation fee site revenue will continue to be used for:
• Supplies including but not limited to cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paint, etc.
• Maintain, improve, and replace recreation site infrastructure such as signage, fire rings, picnic tables,
restroom buildings, information kiosks, etc.
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 17 of 20
• Government vehicles and trailers.
• Labor.
• Interpretive materials.
• Construction of additional recreational facilities.
9 Analysis of Recreation Fee Rates
The SFO determined the new proposed expanded amenity fees for new recreation fee sites by comparing
the BLM facilities to other facilities that offer similar recreation activities, access, services, and amenities
in south-central Idaho. These include facilities managed by adjacent BLM field offices, United States
Forest Service (USFS), National Park Service (NPS), and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
(IDPR).
Table 5: Campground amenity and fee comparisons
Campground
Agency
Location
Amenities
Fee/Night
Lava Flow
NPS
Craters of the Moon
Water & flush toilets or vault toilet,
picnic table, charcoal grill, trash
collection.
$15
Easley
USFS
14 miles North of
Ketchum, ID.
River access, vault toilet, water, fire
pit, picnic table, gravel road and
parking areas.
$18
North Fork
USFS
10 miles North of
Ketchum, ID.
River access, vault toilet, water, fire
pit, picnic table, gravel road and
parking areas.
$20
Milner
BLM
12 miles West of
Burley, ID.
River access, fire rings, picnic
tables, paved and maintained
road access, vault toilets, trash
disposal, shade cabanas, boat
ramp.
$15
Lake Walcot
IDPR
20 miles Northeast
of Burley, ID.
River access, boat ramp,
restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings,
paved access, dump station, disc
golf, visitor center
$14
Massacre
Rocks
IDPR
45 miles East of
Burley, ID.
River access, boat ramp,
restrooms, picnic tables,
fire rings, paved access, dump
station, disc golf, visitor center
$21
Table 6: Boat ramp amenity and fee comparisons
Boat Ramp
Agency
Location
Amenities
Fee
Smokey Bear
(Alturas
Lake)
USFS
25 miles South of
Stanley, ID.
Concrete boat ramp and boat trailer
parking area, vault toilet
$10/day or
$75 annual
pass
Anderson
Ranch
Reservoir
USFS
40 miles East of
Fairfield, ID.
Concrete boat ramps with dirt
parking area and vault toilet nearby
$5/day
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 18 of 20
Milner
BLM
12 miles West of
Burley, ID.
Concrete boat ramp, gravel parking
area, vault toilet, picnic area, hiking
trail.
$5/day or
$50
Milner/Lud
Drexler
annual pass
Lud Drexler
BLM
36 miles Southwest
of Twin Falls, ID.
Concrete boat ramp, gravel parking
area, vault toilet.
$5/day or
$50
Milner/Lud
Drexler
annual pass
The comparison camping rates listed above are for basic (non-electric) campsites with access to picnic
tables, barbecue grates, and vault restrooms. These campgrounds were chosen for comparison because
they are the geographically closest public campgrounds with similar amenities to the BLM SFO
campgrounds. Private campgrounds were not analyzed because the rates they charge are usually higher
based on access to more amenities. Based on the above comparisons, the BLM SFO campgrounds and
boat ramp proposed rates are comparable and reasonable.
10 Impacts from Changing and Non-Changing Recreation Fee
Rates
Consistent with the Department of the Interior and BLM priorities, the BLM Shoshone Field Office seeks
to achieve environmental justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility and make a difference in
surrounding communities through expanding recreational access and opportunities and providing for
natural resource interpretation. This will:
• encourage, facilitate, and improve partnership with and access for youth, tribes, and underserved
communities to public lands through recreation partnerships and collaborations;
• improve public health and safety at developed recreation sites and areas by updating and
modernizing infrastructure—including meeting accessibility standards for people with
disabilities;
• invite education, interpretation, and recreational access for all Americans, especially for diverse
populations and those near urban areas to encourage enjoyment of BLM-managed public lands
and waters;  
• collaborate with community members, government organizations, nonprofit organizations,
academic institutions, and other stakeholders to address environmental and health-related
challenges for recreation management;  
• enhance understanding of environmental and health-related issues at the community level;  
• improve methods for identifying, addressing, tracking, and measuring progress toward achieving
environmental justice;  
• develop and support youth education and outreach programs.
The goal of the SFO Recreation Sites fee proposal is to financially support maintaining the developed
recreation facilities. The purpose of the BLM recreation fee program is not to maximize revenue but to
help protect natural resources, provide for public health and safety, and facilitate access to public lands
and waters. BLM Manual 2930 – Recreation Permits and Fees outline that fees should be balanced and
affordable for all members of the public, rather than an impediment. Recreation fees are also generally
considered a way to ensure that those who actively use developed recreation sites make a reasonable
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 19 of 20
contribution towards protecting and enhancing those opportunities. The proposed and projected revenue is
similar to the anticipated annual operating costs associated with the recreation sites. If implemented the
fee proposal would then meet the desired goal.
i. Impacts of Adopting Proposed Fees
High quality recreation opportunities are valued locally, statewide, and nationally by the public. The SFO
expects the demand for camping, launching boats and the associated recreation activities on public lands
to continue increasing. As visitation increases, so does the maintenance and operating costs associated
with the facilities in this business plan. Implementing the fee proposal would improve the quality of the
visitor experience by supporting more campground and boat ramp amenities, increasing recreation staff
presence, and improving overall visitor experiences and satisfaction.
Implementing the proposed fees would give the SFO more flexibility in relation to funding for
maintenance and operating costs associated with fee sites and avoid sole dependence on appropriated
funding. If the proposed fee increases were adopted, current services would continue. New projects
identified in the Expenditures and Planned Future Projects section could be implemented as needed. Site
infrastructure, cleanliness, and visitor services and information would also benefit. All these combined
would improve the overall visitor experience.
It is imperative to the local economy to keep recreation site infrastructure in good condition, clean, and
serviced to high standards. Maintaining these high standards and creating new opportunities improve the
overall recreational experience for current and future visitors.
ii. Impacts of Not Adopting Proposed Fees
New and existing facilities represent a substantial public investment. Without fees visitors could expect to
see a loss of functionality and use of these facilities as maintenance capacity will be reduced due to
insufficient funding or staffing. As costs are anticipated to increase, maintenance might not happen as
quickly or as often as needed, and some services might be reduced.
If fees are not charged the costs to operate and maintain the proposed fee sites would continue to rely on
fluctuating appropriated funding and therefore might face challenges implementing the BLM’s recreation
strategy. As mentioned earlier, not implementing the proposed fees could lead to limited cleaning and
maintenance services at the sites. If sites are not appealing to visitors, they might stop recreating in this
region, thereby affecting the local economy.
This fee proposal may have a negative impact on low-income or minority populations. There are
numerous free dispersed camping opportunities throughout the SFO as well as adjacent State and federal
lands. There are also opportunities for discounted camping fees for the campgrounds included in this
business plan, see details below. With the opportunities for free or discounted fees, implementing the fee
proposal is expected to have no significant impact to low-income or minority populations considering the
availability of non-fee campgrounds and fee discounts. Fees will not be charged for any Tribal Member
who has a right of access for hunting or fishing privileges under a specific provision of law or treaty, or
for any person who is engaged in the conduct of official Federal, State, Tribal, or local government
business.
BLM Shoshone Field Office Business Plan - Page 20 of 20
iii. Fee Discounts
Section 5 of FLREA provided for the establishment of a single interagency national pass known as the
America the Beautiful Pass—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. This pass as well
as Every Kid Outdoors pass do not apply to expanded amenity fee sites such as campgrounds.
Holders of the Interagency Senior and Access passes may receive half-off of expanded amenity fees at
individual sites only. This includes overnight camping at all SFO campgrounds. No other fee discounts,
passes or waivers are allowed.
The BLM offers Fee-Free Days at standard amenity sites and day-use fee sites. This offer will be
honored at the Magic Boat ramps.
11 Public Outreach
The BLM’s “Blueprint for 21
st
Century Outdoor Recreation” provides a vision to proactively manage for
exceptional and one-of-a kind recreational experiences that invite all to share in the enjoyment and
stewardship of their public lands and waters. As part of this blueprint the SFO seeks engagement and
partnerships with local stakeholders to accomplish mutual public access and recreation objectives.
Public Communication and Marketing Plan:
• Public notice of the proposed fee system, including fee details and calling for public comments,
will be posted at the recreation sites included in this business plan and at the SFO.
• News release detailing the fee proposal and calling for public comments will be issued to all local
newspapers and posted on BLM social media.
• The business plan will be published on the BLM website with links to submit comments.
https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-fees/business-plans
• A Notice of new Recreation Fee Collection, along with a call for public comments, will be
published in the Federal Register.
The SFO will present the Shoshone Field Office Recreation Fee Sites fee proposal to the BLM Idaho
Resource Advisory Council (RAC) for advice, feedback and, recommendations in October 2024. FLREA
mandates that the appropriate RAC be consulted and given the opportunity to provide recommendations
to BLM for all recreation fee proposals prior to implementation. Comments received from the public and
BLM Idaho RAC will be considered prior to implementation of the fee proposal.
i. Feedback Mechanisms
The BLM will provide a 30-day minimum public review period during which the public will have the
opportunity to learn about the proposal and to submit comments for consideration.
The public may submit comments on the proposed recreation use fee changes utilizing the following
methods:
• Email to: BLM_ID_ShoshoneOffice@blm.gov
• U.S. Postal Mail to: BLM Shoshone Field Office, 400 West F Street, Shoshone, ID, 83352.