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| For the fourth year the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is taking part in a unique national program to increase, expand, and improve the levels of maintenance, service, management, and protection of the natural resources within our National Parks and National Forests. Called the "Recreation Fee Demonstration Program." 85% of these fees are returned to Desolation Wilderness for maintaining trails, hiring new wilderness rangers, and to help educate and inform visitors about preserving wilderness areas through "Leave No Trace" programs.
The fee for camping in Desolation is $5 per person for one night or $10 per person for two or more nights. A $20 annual pass is also available. Children 12 and younger are free. Since there is an overnight quota for this heavily used wilderness, a $5/permit service fee is charged for campers who prefer to make a reservation (530-644-6048). A parking fee of $3 per vehicle is charged for day hikers at the Eagle Falls Trailhead. A season parking pass is $15. Donation boxes are available at some trailheads. The "Fee Demo Program" is being closely monitored by Congress and the Forest Service to ensure these funds are efficiently used and are supported by the public. As efforts to control federal spending continue, the appropriated funds to manage and protect the wilderness will continue to decrease. These fees allow Desolation users to help ensure this special and fragile area is preserved for the future. Please help support the Fee Demo Program. |