Bighorn Questions and Answers 1.pdf

General

The Prospectus states that a “permit or permits” will be issued for the offered campgrounds.

Does the Forest Service plan to award one Special Use Permit for the concession?

Yes. The language “permit or permits” is standard in the document template. The Bighorn National Forest intends to issue a single Special Use Permit for this opportunity.

May the concessionaire provide additional services or goods for sale, such as weed-free hay?

If yes, should it be included in the application as a future service?

Additional services not included in this prospectus will need a separate proposal and approval (permit).

Is the concessionaire responsible for maintaining the dock at Sible Lake Dock Picnic Ground?

Yes. The dock is treated like any other amenity offered in this prospectus. It is an integral part of the Sibley Lake Complex utilized by both campground guests and day users. The floating dock remains in place year-round.

Did the 2024 Elk Fire damage any infrastructure, such as water systems, roads, etc., that are still in need of repair?

No. The Elk Fire did not damage any infrastructure associated with the campgrounds, picnic grounds, group sites, or complexes in this prospectus.

When will the horse campsites be completed at Bald Mountain Campground? Will manure boxes be installed as part of the project?

The equestrian improvement project at Bald Mountain is ongoing. The site design does not include manure boxes. There is a place for users to dump manure beside the corrals. Manure removal is the responsibility of the operator.

Appendix 9 states that equestrian campgrounds are for equestrian use only. Appendix 20 indicates that Hunter Campground has equestrian amenities but is open to all campers. Is Hunter Campground reserved for equestrian campers only? Are there manure boxes at Hunter Campground?

Hunter Campground was constructed as a multiple-use campground. Yes, manure boxes are present. Manure removal and disposal off National Forest System lands is the operator’s responsibility.

Is there any recycling currently on the Forest?

No. It was offered by a prior operator with varying levels of success.

Granger-Thye, Maintenance, and Fees

Appendix 12 identifies several MRRI projects (such as information signage, fire rings, etc.) but does not list any specific project needs or dates. Has the Forest Service identified any deficiencies or planned replacements within the permit area?

The list of MRRI projects in Appendix 12 represents the typical replacement needs that the operator works on annually. A portion of the items is replaced on a cyclical basis.

This list represents the minimum an operator could expect to address.

For first-year budgeting, should applicants assume the full land-use fee will be paid in cash, or does the Forest Service expect to identify Granger-Thye offset work before the first season?

The Forest intends to work with the permittee to identify offset work prior to the first season.

Are there any known deferred-maintenance, compliance, or other high-cost items that the new concessionaire should budget for during the first season? If so, what would be the concessionaire’s responsibility and which might qualify for a Granger-Thye offset?

Applicants should anticipate wear and tear and maintenance needs at most sites due to winter conditions and elevation. These needs may include paint/stain/sealant, down branches, etc. The Forest will work with the operator to prioritize maintenance needs if necessary.

Section IV.C.2 of the Prospectus references an SBDC review fee. Is an SBDC review fee required for this application? If so, what is the amount?

No, an SBDC review fee is not required for this application. It may be required if you seek their services for your business plan development.

Please confirm that the Hunter Corrals rate is fixed at $22 for 2027. Should we propose Hunter Corrals rates for 2028 and 2029, along with proposed 2027–2029 rates for all other sites and charges?

Hunter Campground will be treated like all other campgrounds. Proposed rates must be honored through the first full operating season. Thereafter, the holder may propose price adjustments with justification.

Campground Hosts

Appendix 9, Part 2b includes “Table 1. Recommended Site Managers by Location,” but the table is blank. What are the Forest Service’s recommendations for distribution/number of Site Managers at each campground?

Permit clause VII.C. requires that the holder or their representative be present on site at all times when it is open to the public. Each campground except Lower Paintrock Lakes has a designated host site. The previous operator was in place for 30 years and had a specific way of organizing hosts and managers. The Forest would like to see what a new operator envisions for the operation.

Should the application identify any proposed arrangement in which one host would cover multiple nearby campgrounds, or would those arrangements be considered later through the annual operating plan? If they belong in the application, how much detail should we provide?

These arrangements would be considered through the annual operating plan. A draft plan is part of the application package (appendix 9).

Operating Plan, Season, and Dates

We understand that in recent years, final approval of the operating plan has sometimes occurred only a few days before opening. That timing would create significant startup risk, particularly during the new concessionaire’s first year. Does the Forest Service anticipate approving the operating plan earlier, ideally 45–60 days before opening? What can the selected applicant do to help achieve that timeline?

Annual operating plan approval is an iterative process. Submission of the plan well in advance of the operating season is a key component in the process. Delayed approval of the operating plan in recent years is correlated to late submission by the holder.

If weather forces an early closure of a campground that we proposed to keep open beyond the minimum season, who determines whether the campground should close, and what notice or approval would be required?

Campground closure due to inclement weather is the discretion of the Forest Supervisor.

This is a safety and service concern. Communication will be continual while the situation is considered and decision made.

Appendix 20 says the operating season is from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend for all sites except the Sibley Lake Complex Campground, which is June 7-September

27. Recreation.gov lists different opening and closing dates. Can the Forest Service clarify operating season dates for this site?

The overall open/close window for sites on the Bighorn National Forest is Memorial Day to Labor Day. Weather permitting, they may be extended and alternative dates may be proposed. The listing on Recreation.gov represents what has worked for previous operators.

The Prospectus notes that some campgrounds are used during the off-season. What are those specific campgrounds?

In 2026 the following campgrounds remain open for self-supported camping as long as weather permits after the season closure: Bald Mountain, Doyle, East Fork, Hunter, Leigh Creek, Medicine Lodge Lake, Middle Fork, North Tongue, Porcupine, Ranger Creek and Ranger Creek Recreation Area, Sibley Lake, Sitting Bull, Tie Flume, and West Tensleep Lake. No trash collection, water, or cleaning is provided.

Other than Pine Island, are any Forest Service construction or major repair projects expected to reduce campsite availability in 2027? If so, where and when?

No, anticipated repair work on the Pine Island Shelter is the only project of it’s kind.

Dates will be set within the off season and in concert with the operator.

Water Systems

Are there any water system issues or repairs needed during the permit term?

Water system maintenance and repair are the responsibility of the operator.

EPA Region 8 directly implements the Safe Drinking Water Act in the State of Wyoming.

This covers the larger and/or more frequently used systems. Information about water systems under EPA jurisdiction can be found at https://sdwisdww.epa.gov/DWWR8WY/Maps/Map_Template.jsp. The remaining systems are under Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) jurisdiction.

Information about water systems under DEQ jurisdiction can be found under Enforcement Actions at https://deq.wyoming.gov/water-quality/

Given the learning curve associated with the different water systems, what Forest Service engineering support will be available during the new concessionaire’s first season startup?

Engineering support is not guaranteed and is subject to their program of work and priorities. The exception is the system supplying Shell Creek Campground, Ranger Creek Campground, Ranger Creek Group Area, and Shell Ranger Station.

https://sdwisdww.epa.gov/DWWR8WY/Maps/Map_Template.jsp https://deq.wyoming.gov/water-quality/