By Brad Palmer
Southern Illinois – THE PROPOSED FEE STRUCTURE FOR THE SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST IS DRAWING PLENTY OF CRITICISM.
SAM STEARNS - PUBLIC EDUCATION COORDINATOR FOR THE FRIENDS OF THE BELL SMITH SPRINGS LANDMARK - SAYS HE DOESN'T MIND PAYING A FEE FOR A PRODUCT OR A SERVICE. BUT HE SAYS THE FOREST SERVICE SHOULD NOT BE CHARGING A FIVE DOLLAR FEE FOR PEOPLE TO ACCESS PUBLIC LAND FOR SUCH THINGS AS TAKING A HIKE OR GOING TO A PICNIC.
STEARNS SAYS HE THINKS THE FEES ARE PART OF A LONG RANGE PLAN TO PRIVATIZE PUBLIC LAND.
STEARNS SAYS HE IS ENCOURAGING PEOPLE WHO OPPOSE THE FEES TO CALL THEIR LOCAL FEDERAL LAWMAKERS AND URGE THEM TO SUPPORT LEGISLATION IN THE HOUSE THAT WOULD REPEAL THE FEES. A HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE HOSTED A HEARING ON THE LAW JUNE 18TH.
