Several recreation sites on the Superior National Forest would see increases in fees charged by the U.S. Forest Service if a new proposal is approved. A new cabin for rental would also be offered, at a site acquired by the federal government in 2013.
The agency recently released the proposed price hikes, saying 80 percent of such fees are required by law to be used on the local National Forest, improving both individual facilities and broader infrastructure. The proposed increases include higher fees to camp at Echo Lake, Lake Jeanette, Pfeiffer Lake, Divide Lake, Little Isabella River, McDougal Lake, and Ninemile Lake campgrounds.
“We recognize how important these sites are to our local communities and those who use the sites,” said Tim Engrav, Acting Recreation Manager for the Superior National Forest. “These fee increases will help us maintain the sites to the level and quality people have come to expect in addition to making the fees more consistent throughout the Forest.”
More than 90 percent of Superior National Forest recreation sites do not require any fees, the agency says. There are nearly 40 campgrounds across the National Forest, with nine campgrounds currently proposed for rate hikes.
The new cabin proposed for public use is on Lake Vermilion, the sprawling body of water near the town of Tower. It would be located on Wolf Island, on the northern Wolf Bay of the lake, near its outlet at the Vermilion Dam. Because of its location, the cabin is accessible by water only, and visitors must provide their own boat.
The 60-acre island has a rich history, including Indigenous and early settlers, as well as scenic views of the lake. The cabin is described as “historic,” but little other information is available yet. It would be available for rent for $150 per night and house up to eight people, under the proposal.
| Site Name | Site Type | Current Fees | Proposed Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echo Lake Campground | Campground | $6 per extra vehicle $12 per single site | $9 per extra vehicle $18 per single site |
| Echo Lake Group Campground | Campground | $20 per night | $30 per night |
| Lake Jeanette Campground | Campground | $6 per extra vehicle $12 per single site | $9 per extra vehicle $18 per single site |
| Wolf Island Campground | Cabin | N/A | $150 per night Group size: 8 |
| Pfeiffer Lake Campground | Campground | $6 per extra vehicle $12 per single site | $9 per extra vehicle $18 per single site |
| Divide Lake Campground | Campground | $7.50 per extra vehicle $15 per single site | $9 per extra vehicle $18 per single site |
| Little Isabella River Campground | Campground | $7.50 per extra vehicle $15 per single site | $9 per extra vehicle $18 per single site |
| McDougal Lake Campground | Campground | $7.50 per extra vehicle $15 per single site | $9 per extra vehicle $18 per single site |
| Ninemile Lake Campground | Campground | $7.50 per extra vehicle $15 per single site | $9 per extra vehicle $18 per single site |
The Forest Service is now accepting public comments on the proposed fee increases, through the end of the day on September 12. Comments can be submitted one of the following ways:
- Mail: Superior National Forest, Attention: Tim Engrav, 8901 Grand Avenue Place, Duluth, MN 55808 or SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov with Subject: Rec Fees
- In person: Oral comments must be provided in person at the Superior National Forest during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) or by calling 218-626-4300 and indicating you would like to provide comments on the ‘proposed recreation fee changes’.
- Online: Comments can also be provided online at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r9feeproposals
More information
- Proposed Fee Changes to Recreation Sites Identified by the Superior National Forest – U.S. Forest Service
- Wolf Island – Trust for Public Land