The U.S. Forest Service is taking a look at its recreation sites on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and the Thunder Basin National Grassland to see if management strategies need to be updated.

Forest Service spokesman Aaron Voos says the analysis will cover 221 recreation sites on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests including campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, boat docks, interpretive sites and visitor centers.

“It should spark some change. Nothing ever stays exactly the same, and that goes for our recreation sites also,” says Voos.

Voos says the Forest Service wants to hear from the public about what services forest visitors expect from the agency’s recreation sites.

“What sites are important to them? Where do they normally like to recreate? What sites do they like to use, or do they use maintained recreation sites? Or would they rather just pull off the side of the road and pitch a tent?” asks Voos.

The Forest Service is accepting public comment throughout the process, which is expected to continue through the fall, but the agency says feedback will be most useful if it is received by April 29.

“Ultimately we want to maintain an effective, sustainable recreation program,” says Forest Supervisor Dennis Jaeger. “Our recreation sites need to meet public demand, as well as our own health and safety standards. The sites should provide a positive environment for public use and enjoyment.”

The agency says the analysis will not result in reduced access to National Forest System lands, only changes to site management.

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