Bighorn NF 2026 CG Prospectus.pdf

FS-2700-34 (REV-07/2025)

OMB No. 0596-0082

Use Code 141

Prospectus for Campground and Related

Granger-Thye Concessions

Bighorn National Forest

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

Figure 1. Meadowlark Lake

September 2026

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Tye Concessions, Bighorn National Forest

Previous edition obsolete

Table of Contents I. Business Opportunity

A. Introduction B. Area Description C. Description of Developed Recreation Sites and Facilities D. Government Furnished Property E. Government Furnished Supplies F. Utilities and Waste Management

II. Forest Service Concession Programs and Policies A. Recreation.gov B. Pass Discounts C. Camp Stamps D. Site Closure E. Administrative Use F. Applicable Forest Orders G. Fee Tickets and Compilation of Use and Revenue Data H. Customer Service Comment Mechanism I. Performance Evaluations J. Accessibility K. Camping Unit Capacity L. Stay Limit M. Fees Charged to the Public N. Law Enforcement O. Other Pertinent Information

III. Special Use Permit A. Permit Term B. Permit Holder Responsibilities C. Granger-Thye Fee Offset Agreement D. Insurance

IV. Applications A. Instructions for Submitting Applications B. General Terms, Qualifications, and Reservations C. Application Package Requirements D. Evaluation of Applications

V. Post-Selection Requirements

Appendices Appendix 1: Vicinity and Area Maps Appendix 2: Maps of Developed Recreation Sites Appendix 3: Inventory of Government-Furnished Property Appendix 4: Applicable Forest Orders Appendix 5: Sample Use Report Appendix 6: Sample Customer Service Comment Mechanism Appendix 7: Standard Performance Evaluation Form Appendix 8: FSM 2342.1, Exhibit 01, Law Enforcement at Concession

Campgrounds Appendix 9: Sample Annual Operating Plan Appendix 10: FS-2700-4h, Special-Use Permit for Campground and Related

Granger-Thye Concessions, and FS-2700-4h, Appendix-F, Operation of Federally Owned Drinking Water Systems

Appendix 11: FS-2700-4h, Appendix B, Granger-Thye Fee Offset Agreement Appendix 12: Potential Government Maintenance, Reconditioning, Renovation, and Improvement Projects Appendix 13: Indirect Cost Reimbursement Letter Appendix 14: FS-2700-4h, Appendix G, Granger-Thye Fee Offset Certification Appendix 15: Sample Collection Agreement for Granger-Thye Fee Offset Work Appendix 16: Sample Business Plan Appendix 17: FS-6500-24, Financial Statement Appendix 18: FS-6500-25, Request for Verification Appendix 19: National Quality Standards for Recreation Site Management

(formerly Meaningful Measures) Appendix 20: Description of Developed Recreation Sites and Facilities

Pertinent Materials (Available Upon Request)

“Cleaning Recreation Sites” (USDA-Forest Service) PDF: https://www.fs.usda.gov/t-d/pubs/pdf/95231206.pdf

“In Depth Design and Maintenance Manual for Vault Toilets” (USDA-Forest Service) PDF: https://www.fs.usda.gov/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/91231601.pdf https://www.fs.usda.gov/t-d/pubs/pdf/95231206.pdf https://www.fs.usda.gov/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/91231601.pdf

I. Business Opportunity

A. Introduction

This prospectus is being issued to solicit applications for a concession campground special use permit. A permit or permits to provide high-quality public service in the operation and maintenance of Government-owned recreation facilities located on the Powder River, Medicine Wheel, and Tongue Ranger Districts, Bighorn National Forest, will be issued. The permit or permits will include the following developed sites:

Powder River Ranger District West Tensleep Lake Campground Circle Park Campground Doyle Campground Lost Cabin Campground Middle Fork Campground South Fork Campground Tie Hack Campground Boulder Park Campground Deer Park Campground Island Park Campground Lake View Campground Leigh Creek Campground Sitting Bull Campground Hunter Equestrian Campground Hettinger Group Campground Willow Park Campground

Medicine Wheel Ranger District Bald Mountain Campground Shell Creek Campground Porcupine Campground Lower Paintrock Lake Campground Medicine Lodge Lake Campground Ranger Creek Rec Area Campground and Group Area

Tongue Ranger District Owen Creek Campground Tie Flume Campground Sibley Lake Complex – Campground and two Picnic Grounds Ranger Creek Campground Prune Creek Campground North Tongue Campground East Fork Campground Dead Swede Complex – Campground and Picnic Ground Pine Island Campground

The authorized officer for this business opportunity is the Forest Supervisor for the Bighorn National Forest.

Andrew Johnson Bighorn National Forest 2013 Eastside 2nd Street Sheridan, WY 82801.

The current permit for this concession expires on 12/31/2026. Over the past three years, this concession has generated the following gross revenues:

Table 1. Three Year Average Gross Revenue Year

Gross Revenue

2023 $504,571.32 2024 $427,491.38 2025 $495,584.04

Three Year Average Gross Revenue $475,882.25 These totals only include camping fees and day use fees, no additional amenities.

B. Area Description

Overview of the Bighorn National Forest The Bighorn National Forest (BNF) is in north central Wyoming. The BNF is approximately 80 miles long and 30 miles wide, covering over 1.1 million acres. Elevations range from 5,500 to a high of 13,175 at Cloud Peak. The landscape is dominated by lodgepole pine forest interspersed with mountain meadows, lakes, and streams.

The weather is typical for Rocky Mountains with the wettest months in the spring. The BNF campgrounds are mostly located between 7500 feet to 9000 feet in elevation. During the summer tourist season rainfall is normally brief afternoon thundershowers on most days into the middle of August. From then through the end of the campground use season days are typically sunny with little precipitation. Temperatures range from the mid 60’s from early June to the mid 70’s in early August and then tapering back to the low 70’s by Labor Day weekend. Measurable amounts of snow fall can occur in early June every few years. This may delay opening the higher elevation campgrounds.

The Forest contains 30 campgrounds, 12 picnic areas, 2 visitor centers, 2 ski areas, 2 dump stations, 7 recreation lodges, numerous recreation lakes, 3 scenic byways, the Cloud Peak Wilderness, over 1,212 miles of hiking trail, 202 miles of motorized trail, and over 900 miles of motorized system road.

The BNF is bordered on the east by the Powder River Basin and I-25/I-90 corridor; on the west by the Bighorn Basin; to the north by the state of Montana and to the south by the Wind River Basin. The BNF is bisected by Wyoming State highways 14 and 14A on the north and Wyoming State Highway 16 on the south (Appendix 1), all scenic byways.

The BNF is located in the following counties: Big Horn, Johnson, Sheridan, and Washakie.

The Forest is easily accessed from I-90 and State Highways 14, 14A, and 16 and numerous other local roads connecting directly with nearby communities. Billings, Casper, Gillette, Buffalo, Sheridan, Big Horn, Dayton, Ranchester, Lovell, Powell, Cody, Sheridan, and Greybull are a few of the communities located near the BNF.

The BNF receives over 560,000 recreation visits annually based on data collected from the 2018 National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM). Most of these visits are from repeat visitors, some visiting numerous times a year. Visitors come from throughout Wyoming, Montana, and the Upper Midwest, with even a few international visitors. For further information, visit https://apps.fs.usda.gov/nvum/results/.

The Forest is located at a key intersection of tourism corridors with Interstate and Wyoming State Highways providing primary access between the Black Hills to the east and Yellowstone regions to the west. For general information on the Bighorn National Forest and the sites included in the prospectus, refer to the forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/bighorn.

C. Description of Developed Recreation Sites and Facilities

The following is a description of each developed recreation site included in this prospectus (see Appendix 2 of the prospectus). The description of each developed recreation site included in this prospectus is found in Appendix 20: Description of Developed Recreation Sites and Facilities. Please use descriptions in Appendix 20 together with the maps of developed sites in Appendix 2 and Appendix 3, Inventory of Government-Furnished Property.

D. Government Furnished Property

The Forest Service will provide certain property in conjunction with the concession campground special use permit (see Appendix 3 of the prospectus). Included in this inventory are a description, the quantity, and the estimated replacement cost of the applicable property.

E. Government Furnished Supplies

The Forest Service will not furnish any supplies for day-to-day operation of the concession.

Government-furnished supplies will be limited to those necessary for programmatic consistency, including:

• Forms to report use and revenue.

• A copy of the Forest Service publications, “Cleaning Recreation Sites,” “In-Depth Design and Maintenance Manual for Vault Toilets,” and “Vault Toilet Pumping Contract Specifications and Guidelines for Preparing Contracts.”

• A copy of “Recreation Opportunity Guides,” which the holder may reproduce at its expense.

• Title VI signs.

F. Utilities and Waste Management

Certain utilities and infrastructure exist for the developed recreation sites identified in this prospectus. The permit holder will be responsible for securing, managing, and paying for https://apps.fs.usda.gov/nvum/results/ https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/bighorn these utilities. Applicants should contact current service providers to obtain estimated costs for the utilities. These utilities include:

Liquid and Solid Waste Disposal

The successful applicant will be responsible for all costs associated with pumping the toilet vaults and, where available, host site sewage holding tanks. The past permit holder has hired third party or sub-contractors to do the pumping. Local companies provide this service.

Vaults will be pumped in accordance with the annual operating plan.

Trash Collection and Recycling

The successful applicant will be responsible for garbage removal at all sites. Bear and animal resistant receptacles are currently provided at many sites. When a wildlife conflict arises the mitigating measures may include but are not limited to installation of bear proof receptacles and implementation of appropriate trash management operations. Addressing wildlife problems will take precedence over accessibility issues.

The capacity of any trash receptacle shall not be exceeded. Scheduled service should be planned accordingly. Any mechanical devices used to prevent wildlife problems shall be maintained in working order. Green operations including recycling will be strongly encouraged during the proposal evaluation process. Conflicts between recycling and wildlife shall be considered when developing or managing a recycling program.

At no time should customers be directed to leave trash outside and unattended. If the permittee is picking up bags of garbage from customers, the transfer should be directly hand-to hand. The permittee may elect to direct customers to other nearby campgrounds to deposit trash in bear resistant trash containers.

Electric Service

It will be the successful applicant’s responsibility to procure and pay for electric service at sites with this service.

Phone and Other Satellite Communication Service

It will be the successful applicant’s responsibility for procuring and paying for phone and other communication service. Satellite service is an option, but coverage areas should be thoroughly examined to ensure there is service in some of the more remote locations.

Cellular phone service on the mountain is generally poor with limited coverage. Boulder Park Campground has a landline phone to the Designate Representative’s site.

Table 2. Utilities Service Contact

Electrical Powder River Electric (2 sites) 200 Garner Lake Rd Gillette, WY 82716

(800)442-3630 www.precorp.coop

Bighorn Rural Electric (9 sites) 415 South St

Basin, WY 82410 (307)568-2419 www.bighornrea.com Telephone Tri-County Telephone

405 S. 4th St Basin, WY 82410

(307)568-5000 www.tct.net

Garbage Various Providers or Concessionaire Hauled Liquid & Solid Waste Disposal Keele Sanitation (North half of BNF)

31 Pearson Ave Cody, WY 82414 (307)587-6616 https://keelesanitation.com/

Clear Creek Septic Service, LLC Sheridan, WY

(307) 620-9974 https://www.clearcreeksepticservice.com/

II. Forest Service Concession Programs and Policies Government-owned concessions are authorized by special use permits issued under Section 7 of the Granger-Thye (GT) Act, 16 U.S.C. 580d, and implementing regulations at 36 CFR Part 251, Subpart B.

In addition, there are certain Forest Service programs and policies that apply to campground concession. All applications must be consistent with these requirements.

A. Recreation.gov

The Bighorn National Forest participates in Recreation.gov, which provides nationwide, toll-free telephone reservations for single-family or group camping sites, rental cabins, permits, tours, tickets, and other recreational facilities. Visitors pay the camping fee at the time they https://keelesanitation.com/ https://www.clearcreeksepticservice.com/ make a reservation, and no fees are collected at the site (although the permit holder may allow occupancy of any site that is unreserved and charge on site for that use).

Recreation.gov is part of the Recreation One-Stop Program, which is managed by the Washington Office Recreation, Heritage, and Volunteer Resources staff. The Forest Service contacts and program managers for Recreation.gov are listed below. Applicants should not contact the Recreation.gov contractor directly.

Nicole Hill Region 2 Recreation.gov Coordinator telephone: 559-972-8156 email: Nicole.hill@usda.gov

Griffin Schireman Forest Service Agency Technical Representative telephone: 202-360-7234 email: griffin.schireman@usda.gov

Recreation.gov is the only authorized reservation system for Forest Service-developed recreation sites, including but not limited to campgrounds, cabins, and group use areas.

Applicants may recommend adding sites to or deleting sites from Recreation.gov or changing the number of sites that may be reserved, the minimum number of days per reservation, or the location of sites that may be reserved. The permit holder also may make these recommendations during the term of the permit. The authorized officer will decide whether to accept or reject the recommendations.

Under Recreation.gov, the following guidelines must be followed, unless there are compelling operational reasons:

1. For each developed recreation site included in Recreation.gov, at least 60 percent of the units must be available for reservations. The rest of the units may be occupied on a first-come, first- served basis.

Reservation windows vary by type of site and are as follows:

• Individual campsites: from 6 months to 0-4 days prior to arrival date, depending on location.

• Group use areas: from 12 months to 0- 4 days prior to arrival date, depending on location.

2. When Recreation.gov is utilized, the permit holder is responsible for on-site administration and will be required to:

• Obtain daily arrival reports (DARs) each morning by establishing at least one central facsimile location, email address, or other means of obtaining and distributing DARs.

• Develop a system for posting reservations at the sites so other visitors know which units are reserved.

mailto:Nicole.hill@usda.gov mailto:griffin.schireman@usda.gov

• Post and hold reserved sites for 26 hours past the posted check-in time.

• Ensure that the party with the reservation is the party using the site.

• Resolve any disputes over the use of reserved sites by drop-in campers.

• Verify that visitors hold a valid federal pass (listed below) before giving the discount on fees for those passes (see section II.B). Do not discount fees if a visitor cannot present a valid pass.

o Golden Age or Golden Access Passport.

o America the Beautiful–The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands

Senior Pass or Access Pass.

o Other passes as required by the authorized officer and described in this prospectus, such as local area passes.

• Develop inventory data for sites being added to Recreation.gov, and update data for sites including fees charged the public and temporary site closures. Submit data updates to Recreation.gov at least annually.

• Communicate to Recreation.gov any emergency closures or other relevant operational changes as they occur.

• Approve customer refunds as appropriate, and process them through Recreation.gov.

Refund policies can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies.

Because reservations can be made up to a year in advance for group sites and up to 6 months in advance for family sites, Recreation.gov is currently accepting reservations for the upcoming operating season. Fees received by Recreation.gov will be held by the Forest Service and distributed following issuance of a special use permit to the successful applicant.

In the final year of the permit, fees will be held in the same manner until a new permit is issued. The permit holder will honor reservations made prior to issuance of the permit at the price in effect when the reservations were made. If funds are distributed prematurely for dates outside the permit term, a bill for collection will be issued to the permit holder.

B. Pass Discounts

The permit holder must provide a 50 percent discount on recreation fees charged under REA at developed recreation sites covered by this prospectus to holders of Golden Age and Golden Access Passports, as well as holders of the Interagency Senior and Access Passes.

Specifically, holders of these passes are entitled to a 50 percent discount on the fee for a single campsite occupied by the pass holders. The pass holders are not entitled to a discount on the fee for a multiple-family campsite, cabin, or group use area or any additional campsites occupied by those accompanying the pass holders. The 50 percent campsite discount does not include utility, water, or any other hookup fees.

Any loss of fee revenue from honoring the passes should be factored into applicants’ bids.

https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

The permit holder will not be required to offer discounts on camping to holders of the Annual or Volunteer Pass.

The following is a list of sites covered by this prospectus where the 50 percent discount for passes applies:

All family and group sites identified in Appendix 20: Description of Developed Recreation Sites and Facilities.

C. Camp Stamps

Camp stamps must be honored at their face value and submitted to the authorized officer for reimbursement.

D. Site Closure

The Forest Service reserves the right to close all or a portion of any area in this prospectus for repair; construction; floods, snow, extreme fire danger, or other natural events; wildlife protection; or risks to public health and safety. The Forest Service shall not be liable to the permit holder for lost revenue, operating costs, or any other losses resulting from these closures. However, for fee calculation purposes, the permit shall be placed in non-use status as provided by FSH 2709.11, section 31.23.

E. Administrative Use

If the Forest Service requires the permit holder to provide a service for the agency, the permit holder will be compensated for that use.

F. Applicable Forest Orders

Forest Orders may be issued to address a variety of management concerns on a particular forest. Sample orders related to the offering are identified in Appendix 4. Additional applicable forest orders may be issued in the future.

G. Fee Tickets and Compilation of Use and Revenue Data

The permit holder must provide fee tickets to visitors that include at least the following information:

• The site number and total amount paid.

• The date of issuance and number of days paid for.

• If a pass is used, the pass number.

• The number of people in the group.

• The number of vehicles and their license plate numbers.

The permit holder must provide use and revenue data to the Forest Service (see Appendix 5 of the prospectus for a sample use report). Use reports must be completed monthly and at the end of the operating season for each developed recreation site, provided that when the holder performs GT fee offset work in lieu of paying the land use fee in cash, use reports may be submitted quarterly, rather than monthly. At a minimum, monthly and year-end use reports must include:

• The total number of units occupied based on daily counts.

• The total number of people based on daily counts.

• The percentage of occupancy by month.

• Total recreation fee revenue.

• Total fee revenue for other goods and services.

• The total number of Camp Stamps collected.

• The total number of passes used.

In addition, year-end use reports must include:

• Total fee revenue collected under the NRRS.

• Total taxes paid.

• Total gross revenue.

• Total net revenue.

H. Customer Service Comment Mechanism

The permit holder must provide a customer service comment mechanism for visitors at each developed recreation site covered by this prospectus (see Appendix 6 of the prospectus).

I. Performance Evaluations

At a minimum, the Forest Service will perform a year-end performance evaluation within four months of the close of the operating season (see Appendix 7 of the prospectus). An unsatisfactory rating may be cause for suspension or revocation of the special use permit.

Sustained satisfactory performance is required for a permit extension.

J. Accessibility

The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 require new or altered facilities to be accessible, with few exceptions. In 2004, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) issued revised accessibility guidelines for buildings and facilities subject to the ABA and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These new guidelines are called the ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines. In 2006, the Forest Service issued the Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG). The FSORAG addresses types of recreational facilities, including developed recreation sites, that are not covered by ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines.

Any Government maintenance, reconditioning, renovation, or improvement (see section III.C) must meet ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines, where applicable, as well as the

FSORAG.

The FSORAG and the ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines are posted on the Forest Service’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/recreation/programs/accessibility/. Questions regarding ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines may be referred to the Access Board at https://www.access-board.gov/. Questions regarding the FSORAG may be referred to the accessibility coordinator for the local National Forest.

The permit holder is responsible for ensuring effective communication with visitors with disabilities, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, so that all visitors may obtain information on accessible services, activities, and facilities.

K. Camping Unit Capacity

Number of Vehicles Per Camping Unit

A single-family camping unit may accommodate one vehicle. A “vehicle” is defined as any motorized conveyance, except that for purposes of vehicular capacity, two motorcycles are considered one vehicle. Additional vehicles may be allowed at a camping unit, if the camping unit can safely accommodate them. When extra vehicles are allowed, an extra fee of up to 50 percent of the camping unit fee may be charged for each extra vehicle. If an extra vehicle exceeds the camping unit capacity (i.e., the extra vehicle causes a safety hazard or resource damage), the customer may be required to pay for an additional camping unit or park in an overflow parking area, if available. One towed vehicle per single camping unit will be allowed for no extra charge if it can be parked completely on the surfaced area and does not create a safety hazard. Examples of towed vehicles include a boat trailer or a car towed by a motor home.

Group Site Capacity

The capacity established for group sites is as follows:

Table 3. Group Site Capacity Facility/Site Name People Vehicles

Hettinger Group Area 120 20 Willow Park Group Area 120 20 Pine Island Group Area 60 20 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recreation/programs/accessibility/ https://www.access-board.gov/

Ranger Creek Recreation Area 85 20

L. Stay Limit

Campers at overnight sites will be limited to a 14-day stay limit during any consecutive 30-day period.

M. Fees Charged to the Public

The permit holder may charge the public fees only to the extent that the Forest Service can charge recreation fees under REA. All recreation fees must be specified per developed recreation site. The holder must honor the proposed pricing through the first full operating season. Thereafter, the holder may propose price adjustments with justification.

Permit holders may not charge for any of the following:

• Solely for parking, undesignated parking, or picnicking along roads or trailsides.

• General access, unless specifically authorized by REA.

• Dispersed areas with low or no investment, unless specifically authorized by REA.

• Persons who are driving through, walking through, boating through, horseback riding through, or hiking through NFS lands without using the recreational facilities and services for which a fee is charged.

• Camping at undeveloped sites that do not provide the minimum number of facilities and services prescribed by REA.

• Use of overlooks or scenic pullouts.

• Travel by private, noncommercial vehicle over any national parkway or any road or highway in the Federal-aid System that is commonly used by the public as a means of travel between two places, either or both of which are outside an area in which recreation fees are charged.

• Travel by private, noncommercial vehicle, boat, or aircraft over any road, highway, waterway, or airway to any land in which the person traveling has a property right, if the land is in an area in which recreation fees are charged.

• Any person who has a right of access for hunting or fishing privileges under a specific provision of law or treaty.

• Any person who is engaged in the conduct of official federal, state, tribal, or local government business.

• Special attention or extra services necessary to meet the needs of the disabled.

N. Law Enforcement

Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2342.1, Exhibit 01, addresses the law enforcement authorities and responsibilities of concessionaires, state and local law enforcement agencies, and the Forest Service at concession campgrounds. See Appendix 8 of the prospectus.

O. Other Pertinent Information

Fall/Winter Non-Fee Use of Campgrounds Some campgrounds and toilets will be left open for non-fee fall and/or winter season use by the public. Specific site management details can be found in the Sample Operating Plan (Appendix 9). The concessionaire will be responsible for cleaning these campgrounds and toilets including vault pumping as needed, prior to opening in the following summer. The concessionaire is not responsible for maintenance or operations during the off-season. A post-season and pre-season inspection will take place to confirm the condition of the facilities when operations change hands.

Record Keeping The BNF considers quality record keeping as a critical means by which the holder’s performance and adherence to all applicable standards can be monitored. A written record of inspections, operations and maintenance procedures is required. All records shall be available for review upon request of the permit administrator or a designated Forest Service representative. Records should include time, date, location, what was done, by whom, why, quantities and any other information appropriate to the task. This may be in the form of handwritten log books for each site, computer based records or a combination of multiple formats of record keeping.

Applications should include detailed information regarding how the applicant intends to keep records and in what format(s) the records will be maintained. Minimum standards for the types of required records may be found throughout this document.

Records required to meet standards include, but are not limited to: maintenance and operations of water systems, toilet facilities, hazard tree mitigation work, health and safety inspections performed and any resulting mitigations performed, regular tenant maintenance that has been performed – specifically intervals of cyclic and one-time inspections, repair or replacement of components or facilities that are either tenant or landlord responsibility; etc.

Examples would also include: the date, time and who of inspecting/cleaning a water system grease trap; mixing toilet compost when/how often; setting & recording compost toilet mister levels; inspecting/cleaning/greasing motors & pumps; records of when/where/what and model #, color, etc. of any individual site feature or campground feature that is repaired or replaced; when signs are painted and refurbished; when/by whom/what chemical was used to treat undesirable vegetation in the site spurs; etc.

Employee Housing and Storage There is no housing available. The Forest Service authorized storage areas are located at Boulder Park and Tie Hack Campgrounds on US 16 for Powder River Ranger District, at Burgess Ranger Station on US 14 for the Tongue District, and at Shell Work Center for the Medicine Wheel Ranger District. These yards would be authorized as temporary storage of non-hazardous materials intended for use in the operations and maintenance of sites included in this permit. There will be no cost for use of these areas as storage yards and authorization for their use will be made on an annual basis through the annual operating plan. The storage yards shall not be used for storage of waste materials or worn out equipment. The holder's insurance policy must include coverage for use of these sites.

Resource Concerns

Wildlife Mitigation - Campgrounds will have trash and garbage service and campsite cleanliness managed to minimize wildlife habituation. Rules and regulations shall also be developed and enforced to minimize wildlife conflicts.

Endangered Species – None

Archaeological Resources - The permit holder will have to coordinate any projects with the Forest Service before any work is started to prevent disturbance to any cultural resources.

The permit holder will have to notify Forest Service law enforcement personnel immediately of any unauthorized disturbance of a cultural resource site.

Condition of Trees - The BNF is dominated by stands of Lodgepole pine. Additional common tree species includes Engelmann and Blue spruce, Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, subalpine fir, cottonwood, and aspen. These species are susceptible to a variety of insects and diseases. Heavy winter snows also impact individual trees causing partial or complete blow-downs each year. It is strongly recommended that the permit holder have or obtain training in the identification of hazard tree conditions and in safe and proper tree felling techniques.

Hazard Tree Removal The permit holder will have to conduct pre-season inspection of the campgrounds to identify existing and potential hazards, including hazard trees. The permit holder also will be responsible for monitoring and identifying hazard trees during the operating season. After securing written approval from the authorized officer, the permit holder’s financial responsibility for removing hazard trees and associated slash will not exceed 1% of gross revenue per year. The annual operating plan will address appropriate disposal of hazard trees and slash.

Butane and Propane Installations For safety and regulatory reasons, the permit holder is not allowed to install or store bulk butane or propane.

III. Special Use Permit In exercising the rights and privileges granted by the special use permit, the permit holder must comply with all present and future federal laws and regulations and all present and future state, county, and municipal laws, regulations, and other legal requirements that apply to the permit area, to the extent they do not conflict with federal law, regulation, or policy.

The Forest Service assumes no responsibility for enforcing laws, regulations, and other legal requirements that fall under the jurisdiction of other governmental entities.

A. Permit Term

The permit term will be for up to 5 years, with an option to extend the term for up to an additional 5 years at the sole discretion of the authorized officer. The decision to extend the term will depend, in part, on sustained satisfactory performance of the permit holder. Upon expiration of the permit, continuation of the permitted activity will be at the sole discretion of the authorized officer and will be subject to a competitive offering. A new prospectus will be issued during the final year of the permit term.

If the decision to select a permit holder is appealed, a permit will not be issued until the appeal has been resolved, unless operation is needed during the appeal, in which case a permit with a term of one year or less may be issued.

B. Permit Holder Responsibilities

This section highlights the requirements of the special use permit, which is contained in Appendix 10 of the prospectus. Applicants are responsible for familiarizing themselves with all permit requirements that govern the operation covered by this prospectus.

Responsibility for Day-to-Day Activities

As a general rule, the holder will be required to conduct the day-to-day activities authorized by the permit. Some, but not all, of these activities may be conducted by someone other than the permit holder, but only with the prior written approval of the authorized officer. The permit holder will continue to be responsible for compliance with all the terms of the permit.

Permit Holder-Furnished Supplies and Equipment

The permit holder will be required to provide all vehicles, equipment, and supplies necessary to operate the authorized developed recreation sites in accordance with the special use permit.

Holder-Furnished Vehicles

The permit holder may not use motorcycles, or motor bicycles in the campgrounds. The holder may propose use of all-terrain vehicles, golf carts or other similar vehicles to facilitate daily maintenance of the facilities. If authorized, carts must stay on designated roads or trails while driving between sites or loops.

Holder Maintenance, Reconditioning, or Renovation (MRR)

Maintenance, reconditioning, and renovation are defined in the permit (FS-2700-4h, clause IV.E.1(a), (c)). Holder MRR is defined as maintenance, reconditioning, or renovation that neither materially adds to the value of the property nor appreciably prolongs its life. The work serves only to keep the facility in an ordinary, efficient operating condition. From an accounting or tax perspective, it is work that may be expensed, but not capitalized. In fulfilling these responsibilities, the holder must obtain any licenses and certified inspections required by regulatory agencies and follow state and local laws, regulations, and ordinances and industry standards or codes applicable to the permitted operation (FS-2700-4h, clause IV.E.1(d)). The permit holder, at its expense, will be required to perform holder MRR under a holder MRR plan (FS-2700-4h, clause II.D). The holder MRR plan will describe required holder MRR and its frequency. The holder MRR plan will become part of the permit holder's annual operating plan.

C. Granger-Thye Fee Offset Agreement

The federal government owns all the improvements at the developed recreation sites covered by this prospectus. Under Section 7 of the Granger-Thye (GT) Act and the terms of the permit, the permit fee may be offset in whole or in part by the value of Government maintenance, reconditioning, renovation, and improvement (MRRI) performed at the permit holder’s expense. Government MRRI is defined as maintenance, reconditioning, renovation, or improvement that arrests deterioration, improves and upgrades facilities, and appreciably prolongs the life of the property. Government maintenance, reconditioning, renovation or improvement, whether performed by the holder or the Forest Service, shall be performed at the sole discretion of the authorized officer. See Appendix 4 of the prospectus and FS-2700- 4h, clause IV.E.

All Government MRRI shall be enumerated in an annual GT fee offset agreement signed by the holder and the Forest Service in advance of the operating season (see Appendix 11 of the prospectus and FS-2700-4h, Appendix B). Alternatively, a multi-year fee GT fee offset agreement can be prepared for consolidated fee payments. A list of sample Government MRRI projects is included in Appendix 12 of the prospectus.

Either the holder or the Forest Service may perform GT fee offset work. This determination will be made annually. When the holder performs GT fee offset work, if it includes construction that costs more than $2,000, it is subject to the Davis-Bacon Act and the fee offset agreement must contain Davis-Bacon Act wage provisions. Additionally, indirect costs may be offset provided the holder submits either a currently approved indirect cost rate or accounting procedures and supporting documentation to determine an indirect cost rate (see Appendix 13 of the prospectus).

The holder’s claims for GT fee offset must be documented using the FS-2700-4h, Appendix G, Granger-Thye Fee Offset Certification Form (see Appendix 14 of the prospectus). This form requires the holder to itemize allowable costs incurred for an approved GT fee offset project and to certify the accuracy and completeness of claims.

When the Forest Service performs GT fee offset work, the holder will deposit fee payments into a CWFS account. The Forest Service will perform GT fee offset work under a collection agreement and offset those costs against the permit holder’s annual permit fee (see FS-2700- 4h, clause IV.E.3, and Appendix 15 of the prospectus). The Forest Service’s indirect costs may be offset at the agency’s approved rate. The Forest Service and the holder will agree on the work to be performed in advance of each operating season.

D. Insurance

Liability Insurance

The successful applicant must have liability insurance covering losses associated with the use and occupancy authorized by the permit arising from personal injury or death and third-party property damage in the minimum amount of $500,000 for injury or death to one person per occurrence; $1,000,000 for injury or death to more than one person per occurrence; and $25,000 for third-party property damage per occurrence, or in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 as a combined single limit per occurrence. Insurance policies must name the United States as an additional insured (see Appendix 10 of the prospectus and FS-2400-4h, clause III.I).

Property Insurance

Property insurance will be required for the following structures in the amount of $305,304 for replacement in kind of the insured property (see Appendix 3, Inventory of Government- Furnished Property).

Table 4. Structures Property Insurance Building

ID

Building Name Subcategory Cost Replacement

Value 1CG09P Tie Hack CG Pumphouse Pumphouse $43,390.08 4PG03S Ranger Creek P.G. – Shelter Shelter $70,008.30 5CG07P Sitting Bull CG Pumphouse Pumphouse $76,363.66 6CG10P Sibley Lake C.G. –

Pumphouse Pumphouse $49,115.16

6PG04S Pine Island P.G. – Shelter Shelter $66,426.48

Total $305,303.68

IV. Applications

A. Instructions for Submitting Applications

Applicants must submit an application for all developed recreation sites covered by this prospectus.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the developed recreation sites covered by this prospectus at least once before submitting an application (see Appendices 1 and 2, vicinity and area maps and maps of developed recreation sites).

Forest Led Facility Tour

A facility tour led by the Forest is scheduled for September 25 and 26, 2026. Interested parties must RSVP to Andrea Maichak at andrea.maichak@usda.gov by Friday September 18, 2026.

The information in this prospectus is from generally reliable sources, but the Forest Service makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Each applicant is expected to make an independent assessment of the business opportunity offered in this prospectus.

All applications must be submitted to Andrew Johnson, Forest Supervisor, Attention: Andrea Maichak, 2013 Eastside 2nd Street, Sheridan, WY 82801. Applications must be received by close of business (4:30 p.m.) on Friday October 30, 2026.

Applicants must submit one hard copy and one electronic copy of their application to the Forest Service contact listed above. The electronic copy must be provided on a flash drive.

The electronic copy must be prepared in a Microsoft Office program or PDF that allows for copying and pasting of text and must separately address each evaluation criterion listed in the prospectus.

Applications will not be returned to applicants.

Please ensure that all requested information is submitted. Missing or incomplete information will result in a lower rating for the corresponding evaluation criteria.

Applications must be signed. The person signing for an entity must have authority to sign for that entity. Applicants must include their address, telephone number, facsimile number, and email address.

Corporations also must include:

• Evidence of incorporation and good standing.

• If reasonably obtainable, the name and address of each shareholder owning 3 percent or more of the corporation’s shares and the number and percentage of any class of voting shares that each shareholder is authorized to vote.

• The name and address of each affiliate of the corporation.

• If an affiliate is controlled by the corporation, the number of shares and the percentage of any class of voting stock of the affiliate owned, directly or indirectly, by the corporation.

• If an affiliate controls the corporation, the number of shares and the percentage of any class of voting stock of the corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the affiliate.

Partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), associations, or other unincorporated entities must submit a certified copy of the partnership agreement or other documentation mailto:andrea.maichak@usda.gov establishing the entity or a certificate of good standing under the laws of the state where the entity is located.

Applicants should contact Andrea Maichak at 307-690-9427, andrea.maichak@usda.gov or Kate Miller at 307-548-5318, kate.miller@usda.gov regarding any questions related to this prospectus. The deadline to submit questions regarding the prospectus is Friday October 9, 2026.

B. General Terms, Qualifications, and Reservations

All applicants have an equal opportunity to apply. Except for members of Congress, Resident Commissioners, and current Forest Service employees, any individual or entity may apply.

The Forest Service does not guarantee a profitable operation. Rather, applicants are responsible for reviewing the prospectus and making their own determination concerning business viability.

The Forest Service will select the application that offers the best value to the Government.

The Forest Service reserves the right to select the successful applicant based on a trade-off between the fee to the Government and technical merit.

The Forest Service is not obligated to accept the application with the highest return to the Government.

The Forest Service reserves the right to select the successful applicant based solely on the initial application, without oral or written discussions.

The Forest Service reserves the right to reject any or all applications and to rescind the prospectus at any time before a special use permit is issued.

Any oral statement made by a representative of the Forest Service shall not modify the requirements of this prospectus. If it is determined that an error or omission has been made or additional information is required, a written amendment will be sent to each person or entity receiving a copy of this prospectus.

If there is a conflict between the terms of the prospectus and the special use permit, the terms of the permit will control.

The Forest Service is proposing a revision to FSM 2344.3 to address how passes and passports are honored in the concession program. The agency reserves the right to amend the special use permit consistent with any change to that directive. In addition, the Forest Service reserves the right to amend the special use permit, to make it consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including REA; other Forest Service directives; or other management decisions.

The information contained in applications will be kept confidential to the extent permitted mailto:andrea.maichak@usda.gov mailto:kate.miller@usda.gov under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a).

C. Application Package Requirements

Applications must be in writing and must include or address the following:

• A proposed annual operating plan (including required and optional services).

• A business plan, business experience, references, and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) review fee, if applicable (see section IV.C.2).

• Financial resources.

• Fees charged to the public.

• Fee to the government.

• Initial processing fee.

1. Proposed Annual Operating Plan (Including Required and Optional Services)

Applicants must submit a proposed annual operating plan that addresses all required and optional services. Applicants must utilize the sample annual operating plan (see Appendix 9 of the prospectus) to organize their response to this section. The successful applicant’s proposed operating plan will be attached to and become a part of the special use permit.

Applicants must specify whether another party will assist with any of the operational aspects of the concession, and if so, must include the other party’s name, address, telephone number, email address, and relevant experience.

Below are highlights of what needs to be addressed in the proposed annual operating plan.

For more detail, see the sample annual operating plan in Appendix 9 of the prospectus.

Operating Season

Applicants need to propose the period in which they will operate the sites listed in the prospectus. All sites must be open and operational seven days per week during the minimum operating season, unless a Forest Service closure order is in effect.

Staffing

Applicants must address appropriate staffing to meet customer service and cleanliness standards. The holder will be responsible for furnishing all personnel for the developed recreation sites and for adequately training and supervising their activities under the terms of the permit. The holder must meet requirements of federal and state laws governing employment, wages, and worker safety. Based on past experience, recommended staffing is outlined in Appendix of the prospectus. Applicants should address worker hours and schedules. Applicants also should address staff training for effective customer service, conflict resolution, area-specific emergency procedures, and dissemination of recreation and tourism information.

Supervision and Management

Applicants must designate an individual to serve as the agent of the holder for purposes of administration of the permit by the Forest Service. The designated agent must periodically review attendant performance on site and must be available to resolve repair needs within 24 hours of discovery or notification. The holder will be responsible for the conduct of its employees, including preventing conduct prohibited by 36 CFR part 261, Subpart A, and ensuring that employees are not under the influence of intoxicating beverages or narcotic drugs while on duty or representing the holder. Applicants also must include a policy for removing employees who engage in inappropriate conduct.

Uniforms and Vehicle Identification

Applicants should describe employee uniforms, insignia, name tags, and the applicants’ policy for ensuring a clean, professional appearance by staff while on duty. The holder’s employees may not wear any component of the Forest Service uniform. Additionally, applicants should address their policy for vehicle maintenance and appearance; types of vehicles to be used for operations (vehicles may not be driven off designated roads or trails);

and signage to identify the concessionaire to the public.

2. Business Plan, Business Experience, and References

Applicants must submit a business plan utilizing the format in Appendix 16 of the prospectus. This part of the application package must be a separate document. The business plan provides a thorough analysis of an applicant’s vision of the proposed business. A good business plan is essential for running a successful business, maintaining and improving the business, and raising needed capital.

Applicants must furnish a detailed description of their experience relating to operating and maintaining developed recreation sites (e.g., campgrounds, beaches, and marinas). The description must include experience in private business, public service, or any nonprofit or other related enterprises. Applicants are encouraged to contact their local SBDC if they need assistance in completing their business plans. Alternatively, applicants who have already received a review of their business plan from an SBDC or the Forest Service for the current fiscal year may submit a copy of the review report.

Performance Evaluations

Applicants who have experience in managing Forest Service or other Government concessions must provide copies of the most recent annual written performance evaluations for each Forest Service or other concession the applicants have operated or are operating.

References

Applicants also must furnish three business references with names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses in support of relevant business experience. These references will be contacted for information regarding applicants’ past performance.