Reservation, fee system to be implemented to limit camping in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness

Posted: Jun 29, 2017 / 07:55 AM MDT

Updated: Jun 29, 2017 / 08:48 AM MDT

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ASPEN, Colo. — A reservation and fee system will be implemented for future campers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, the Aspen Sopris Ranger District announced Thursday.

The zones impacted are Conundrum Hot Springs (Phase 1); Four Pass Loop, including Crater Lake, Maroon Lake, North Fork, East Fork, Snowmass Lake, and upper Snowmass zones (Phase 2); and Capitol Lake and lower Capitol Lake zones (Phase 3).

“The reservation system used to allocate overnight camping capacity per zone would include a fee for the reservation transaction,” according to the report.

“Upon this decision, the Forest Service will likely pursue authorization through the Federal Land Recreation Enhancement Act to charge an additional fee for overnight permits.”

The permit fees will be reinvested into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in natural resource restoration projects, education, outreach and resource monitoring.

The system will go into effect after a 45-day objection period.

Details are still being worked out on implementation for a limited entry overnight camping permit.

One option being looked at is to use an online tool to handle the reservations.