Welcome to the UNofficial website of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service - an agency in search of a mission.

Fee Programs

Editor -- This story misses on every point.

In Reply To:

Run Grand Canyon like a business? Elisa Williams, Forbes Magazine, 07.23.01

As chief economist of a billion dollar company, I am an avid capitalist.

As legislative affairs director of our local chapter of Backcountry Horsemen of America, I am an active recreationist.

As a board member of our county parks department, I am an fervent conservationist.

As a member of the faculty of a local university, I teach MBA students decision-making skills using all the information.

As a taxpayer, a Republican, a conservative, and a voter, I'm embarrassed by your misinformation.

I'm not a backpacker, don't wear Birkenstocks, avoid granola, and abhor socialism.

Your story is a disgrace to capitalism, an insult to recreationists, a slur on conservationists, and an affront to the truth.

I remain a staunch opponent of user fees. I've already paid my taxes to support public lands. I don't relish paying twice.

I write my congressman on a regular basis, requesting adequate general fund financial support of our public lands.

Your writer should quit name calling, and start behaving like a journalist.

Randy Barcus
Spokane, Washington