Getting gouged by the forest service for special use permit after 40 years

[Hoodoo creek]

I need help folks. I've been at the same place my whole life. 20 year ago we bought the place from my folks. Our driveway goes through forest service land. Each year we pay a usage fee. This year, we paid the fee then recieve a noice that our local Forest Service office has determined that our formal application falls under a catogory 2 propsal and we've been ordered to pay $410!!! A cat 2 has been determined to take 8 to 24 hours to process. My question is this. Is there a way to appeal this amount or catogory? It seems to me, that one person has made this determination, and it has hit this unemployed family right beween the eyes. What course of action can I take?

 

[stuckmotor]

Write your congressman. If you write in longhand, it'll probably attract more attention. Good luck.

 

[stuckmotor]

Some TV stations investigate and resolve problems similar to yours, then tell their viewers what a good deed they did.

 

[dmccarty]

Write your congressman. If you write in longhand, it'll probably attract more attention. Good luck.

Don't forget your Senator.

Are there farming/ranching organizations that would have members impacted in the same manner? In NC I would try the Farm Bureau.

Later,
Dan

 

[murphy1244]

what is the price difference?

 

[TCJatko]

Welcome to the "New Normal".

 

[Dr Dave]

If this is your only access to your property, I can't see why they are charging you anything!

Dave

 

[DANOCHEESE]

Maybe call thme before you bring in the heavy guns ask for an appeal. They could have made a mistake for year and not charged enoung or thye made the mistake now.

Involving congress and the military for such a small issue will get the cry wolf syndrome called on you.

When you have worked the chain of command and be patient there is red tape involved the chain will lead you to calling in congress

 

[bcp]

I think USFS has both land use fees and linear right-of-way fees. One may be cheaper than the other.
Bruce

 

[Hoodoo creek]

what is the price difference?

31 years ago it was $15 a year. Now it's $100 a year plus this new assessed processing fee of $410 due in 3 weeks. The bottom of the paper has the quote.... "Caring for the land and serving people" You should read this letter that we recieved. It's anything but serving people....outside of their golden parachute retirement fund and cushy job anyhow. My wife has a debilitating auto immune desease and can't hardly leave the house. I don't mind paying my dues, but I thought the $100 a year covered these expenses. I just find it hard to believe that it takes 8 to 24 agency hours to process our paperwork, that they've had in their file cabinet since 1972. It's no wonder........... I better hold my tongue. Bit too pissed right at the moment.