CG Prospectus QA_ANF.docx

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Allegheny National Forest
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This document is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) file for the Allegheny National Forest Campground Prospectus, providing detailed clarifications about an upcoming concession campground special use permit. The document covers key operational details, including a permit start date of January 1, 2027, with a transition period beginning in fall 2026, and an expected award notification in summer 2026. The Forest Service will issue a permit for operating and maintaining 25 government-owned recreation sites, with an average gross revenue of $930,300.

The Q&A addresses specific inquiries about site management, including cabin removal, site maintenance, electrical infrastructure, and boat-in site operations. Notable details include the Forest Service's expectations for maintaining the Farnsworth Cabin, current boat rental options (kayaks/canoes at Willow Bay and motorized rentals at Kinzua Wolf Run Marina), and clarifications on toilet pumping for boat-in sites. The Forest Service indicates openness to future proposals for site improvements while maintaining the current rustic character of the campgrounds. Interested parties can review current fees on recreation.gov or the Forest Service website.

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Text version

Original Published Date: September 30th, 2025 Version: 1 - September 30th, 2025

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Allegheny National Forest Campground Prospectus Questions and Answers What is the start date for the term of the new permit?

January 1, 2027, with a transition period starting in the fall of 2026.

When does the Forest Service expect to notify applicants of the award decision?

Answer: Summer of 2026.

If a new concessionaire is selected, will the current concessionaire be required to remove any cabins they own?

Answer: Yes, the existing concessionaire may choose to sell them if not there will be a removal and restoration plan designed and worked through with the previous holder and the new holder.

In Appendix 9, Operating Plan Template, Section 26a (Farnsworth Cabin) it states: “If planning to maintain cabins or add temporary glamping structures, please provide details on how you will manage these services.” Does the Forest Service expect new glamping structures at the Farnsworth site? If so, please provide the identified location(s) and how many structures are planned.

Answer: No, we will not be expecting new glamping structures. The new permit holder is expected to provide detailed information on how the Farnsworth Cabin is going to be maintained and managed.

At the site visit, there was a mention that the FS would like to see additional private cabins. Would FS like cabins/glamping structures at other sites covered by the Permit? If yes, which sites, what types of structures, and how many?

Answer: During the site visit it was mentioned that the public may like to have the experience of more cabins in the area, however the Forest is not requiring it at this time.

Also mentioned during the site visit: FS interest in expanding electrification (new pedestal hookups) at campsites. Which sites are being considered, and how many site-electrification upgrades are expected?

Answer: At this time no sites are currently being considered to expand electrical infrastructure, however the Forest is open to new proposals in the future.

We observed that many campsites are overgrown, with grass and weeds growing through gravel or paved areas. Does FS prefer these to retain a more rustic look, or should the sites be maintained more regularly (grounds-keeping, weed control, etc.)?

Answer: Standards for ground maintenance can be found in the Operation and Maintenance Plan.

In relation to the Boat-In sites portion of the Annual Operating Plan, it reads as though the Forest Service provides the boat. Is this correct? If so, what type of boat is it and how is it out of commission for repairs?

Answer: The Forest Service may provide specialized equipment and a boat for Boat-In site vault pumping only. A Forest Service boat is not available for the standard maintenance that the boat in sites require (fee collection, restroom cleaning, mowing, etc.). The Forest Service boat was recently procured so we have not experienced periods of time it is out of commission.

In relation to the Boat-in sties portion of the Annual Operating plan, how often does the current permit holder empty the toilets? How long does it take to do all 5 sites?

Answer: The traditional need is to empty all the toilets every two years. It typically takes 1-2 weeks if all 5 tanks were emptied in the same year. Given the time to do this, we typically try to do 2 one year and 3 the next, so it is a one week commitment a year. The concessionaire is responsible for finding a vendor and scheduling the pumping.

In relation to the Boat-in sites portion of the Annual Operating Plan, if the permit holder has their own boat or a backup boat, is there a dedicated slip or storage area where the boat could be kept.

Answer: A slip is not available for a concessionaire owned boat. Boat storage may be possible at one of the permitted recreation sites (e.g. Willow Bay Recreation Area).

Does the Forest Service have plans to get the two non-functional hand pumps at Tracy Ridge Campground operational? Why are they currently not working?

Answer: The non-functional pumps have reached the end of their functional life cycle. The Forest Service is currently evaluating the anticipated future needs of this facility and there is no decision currently about reinvestment or decommissioning these pumps.

Are any boat rentals currently being offered? If so, are they motorized or nonmotorized?

Answer: There are kayaks/canoes being rented out of Willow Bay from the current permit holder. There are motorized rentals from the Kinzua Wolf Run Marina which is operated under a separate permit.

Are motorized watercraft allowed on the Allegheny? If so, where?

Answer: The Allegheny covers 500,000 plus acres and there are many bodies of water including Wild and Scenic Rivers. There are opportunities for motorized and non-motorized experiences across the forest.

Can the Forest Service disclose the fees for stays and amenities that are currently being charged to the public?

Answer: A: Current fees can be reviewed at https://www.recreation.gov/ or from the Forest Service webpage https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/allegheny image1.png

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