Final ANF 2025 Prospectus.pdf

Previous edition obsolete

FS-2700-34 (REV-02/2017)

OMB No. 0596-0082

Use Code 141

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions

Allegheny National Forest

Bradford and Marienville Ranger Districts

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

July 2025 i

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 Cards 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 E. Bonding

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

V. Post-Selection Requirements

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Allegheny National Forest ii

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 Card

Appendix 7: Standard Performance Evaluation Form

Appendix 8: FSM 2342.1, Exhibit 01, Law Enforcement at Concession

Campgrounds

Appendix 9: Minimum Content of the Proposed Annual Operating Plan

Appendix 10: FS-2700-4h, Special-Use Permit for Campground and Related

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

Appendix 11: FS-2700-4h, Appendix B, Annual 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 H, Granger-Thye Fee Offset Claim

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

VI. Optional Appendices

Appendix 19: National Quality Standards for Recreation Site Management

(formerly Meaningful Measures)

Appendix 20: Description of Developed Recreation Sites and Facilities

Appendix 21: Repairing and Disinfecting Waterlines

Appendix 22: Graffiti Removal Protocols

VII. 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

“Vault Toilet Pumping Contract Specifications and Guidelines for Preparing

Contracts”

PDF: https://www.fs.usda.gov/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/92231308.pdf https://www.fs.usda.gov/t-d/pubs/pdf/95231206.pdf https://www.fs.usda.gov/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/91231601.pdf https://www.fs.usda.gov/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/92231308.pdf

I. Business Opportunity

A. Introduction This prospectus is being issued to solicit applications for a concession campground special use permit. A permit to provide high-quality public service in the operation and maintenance of

Government-owned recreation facilities located on the Bradford and Marienville Ranger

Districts, Allegheny National Forest, will be issued. The permit will include the following developed sites:

Table 1. Site List

Site Name Site Type District

Buckaloons Campground Bradford

Buckaloons Recreation Area Boat Launch & Day Use Bradford

Dewdrop Recreation Area Campground Bradford

Elijah Run Boat Launch & Shoreline Trail Bradford

Farnsworth Cabin Government Cabins Bradford

Hansome Lake Boat Access Campground Bradford

Hearts Content Recreation Area Campground Bradford

Hooks Brook Boat Access Campground Bradford

Hopewell Boat Access Campground Bradford

Kiasutha Campground Bradford

Kiasutha Recreation Area Day Use Bradford

Minister Creek Campground Bradford

Morrison Boat Access Campground Bradford

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground Bradford

Red Bridge Recreation Area Campground Bradford

Roper Hollow Boat Launch Bradford

Tracy Ridge Campground Bradford

Webbs Ferry Boat Launch & Shoreline Trail Bradford

Willow Bay Campground Bradford

Willow Bay Recreation Area Boat Launch & Day Use Bradford

Kelly Pines Horse Campground Marienville

Loleta Campground Marienville

Loleta Recreation Area Day Use Marienville

Table 2. Optional Site List

Site Name Site Type District

Willow Bay Private Cabins Bradford

Red Bridge Recreation Area Private Cabins Bradford

See Appendix 20 for more information on the optional sites.

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232003 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/allegheny/recreation/recarea/?recid=6115 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232036 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/allegheny/recreation/recarea/?recid=6089 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234681 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10165350 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251943 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10165365 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10165370 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232065 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/allegheny/recreation/recarea/?recid=6102 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10165465 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10165475 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10165540 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232088 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/allegheny/recreation/recarea/?recid=6088 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232126 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/allegheny/recreation/recarea/?recid=6130 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232127 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/allegheny/recarea/?recid=6119 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/261792 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232005 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/allegheny/recarea/?recid=6103 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232127 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232088

The authorized officer for this business opportunity is the Forest Supervisor for the Allegheny

National Forest.

Jamie Davidson

Allegheny National Forest

4 Farm Colony Drive

Warren, PA 16365

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 3. Three Year Average Gross Revenue of Campgrounds & Day Use – Required

Year Gross Revenue

2024 $827,483.47

2023 $759,482.50

2022 $810,867.25

Three Year Average Gross Revenue $799,277.74

These totals only include camping fees and day use fees, no additional amenities.

Table 4. Three Year Average Gross Revenue of Red Bridge & Willow Bay Private Cabins Only – Optional

Year Red Bridge

Gross Revenue Willow Bay

Gross Revenue Total Cabins

2024 $80,030.00 $60,290.00 $140,320.00

2023 $49,930.00 $77,330.00 $127,260.00

2022 $53,650.00 $72,955.00 $126,605.00

Three Year Average Gross Revenue $54,623.33 $75,438.33 $130,061.67

These totals only include cabin fees, no additional amenities.

B. Area Description

Overview of the Allegheny National Forest

The Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is one of the most intensively used national forests due to the high level of oil and gas activity, the high timber values, and the year-round recreational uses that occur throughout the Forest. The potential for increased recreation use is significant as the

ANF lies within a day's drive of 1/3 of the nation's population.

The ANF is Pennsylvania’s (PA) only National Forest; located in northwestern PA, the Forest encompasses approximately 517,000 acres and includes land in Elk, Forest, McKean and Warren counties in the northwestern corner of the state. About 463,000 acres are forested; 42,000 acres are non-forest; and 11,000 acres are covered by water (primarily the Allegheny Reservoir). The

ANF is administratively divided into two Ranger Districts: Bradford and Marienville. Many of the recreation sites in this prospectus are located on the Bradford Ranger District.

The ANF has a rich variety of outdoor activities, including bicycling, camping, fishing, hiking, nature viewing, OHV riding, outdoor learning, picnicking, scenic driving, water activities, winter sports, and more. Annual outdoor recreation events draw participants and spectators from all over the country. There are over 600 dispersed campsites, around 600 developed campsites, 6 boat launches, 6 canoe access sites, and hundreds of miles of hiking, equestrian, snowmobiling and OHV trails.

The ANF also has areas of special interest such as two (2) wilderness areas totaling 8,979 acres

(Hickory Creek Wilderness & the Allegheny

Islands Wilderness), Allegheny & Clarion Wild &

Scenic Rivers, Allegheny National Recreation

Area, and the North Country National Scenic Trail

(96 miles on the ANF).

Figure 1: Fishing on the Allegheny River

Figure 2: Winter Sports on the ANF's Snowmobile Trails

A moderate climate provides a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Average annual rainfall for the Forest is

46 inches, the majority of which occurs between mid-May and mid-October.

Average annual snowfall is 70 inches which typically occurs between mid-

November and mid-April. Daytime temperatures in the summer range from

70 to 80 degrees, with evening temperatures in the 60s.

The Forest provides good habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species, such as white tail deer, turkey, and black bear. Fishing and boating are major attractions on the Allegheny Reservoir and the Allegheny and

Clarion Rivers, segments of which are designated

Wild and Scenic Rivers. Anglers cast for trophy trout, walleye, northern pike, and musky. Ice fishing is permitted throughout the Allegheny National Forest;

the Allegheny Reservoir is a popular ice fishing area. Figure 3: OHV riding on the Forest

A major outdoor recreational attraction on the Forest is the Allegheny Reservoir, which was created in the 1960s when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed the Kinzua Dam on the upper Allegheny River. At normal summer pool level, the reservoir is 27 miles long (14 miles in

Pennsylvania and 13 miles in New York) with 91 miles of shoreline. The reservoir water level and water surface are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The adjacent shoreline is primarily owned and managed in Pennsylvania by the U.S. Forest Service and in New York by the Seneca Nation of Indians, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic

Preservation, and Cattaraugus County, NY. Only a few private landowners exist on the New York shoreline. The Allegheny Reservoir is unique because very little private commercial development exists along its shoreline. The majority of the existing developed recreation sites on the PA portion of the Reservoir are operated and maintained by the ANF and are included in this prospectus package.

The undeveloped Allegheny Reservoir shoreline and National Forest System lands surrounding the Reservoir provide the largest outdoor recreation opportunities in northwestern Pennsylvania.

Highly developed infrastructure (e.g. paved roads, pressurized water systems, sewage treatment plants and electrical service) are in place to serve campgrounds with utilities, flush toilets and hot water showers. Other facilities include picnic areas, swimming beaches, and shoreline fishing opportunities and fishing piers. Group camping opportunities are also available.

In addition, the Buckaloons Campground offered in this prospectus, in the Bradford West

Grouping, is located along the embankment of the Allegheny River.

Primarily, visitors to the ANF come from the following urban areas which are all within half a day’s travel time: Erie, PA to the northwest (65 miles); Buffalo, New

York (NY) to the north (110 miles);

Pittsburgh, PA to the south (110 miles); and Youngstown-Akron-

Cleveland, Ohio areas to the west

(140 miles). Limited commercial air service is available at the Bradford

Regional Airport, PA and

Jamestown Municipal Airport, NY.

The nearest full-service airports are in Buffalo, NY and Pittsburgh, PA.

An extensive network of roads provides access and helps to disperse use that occurs during all seasons of the year.

• For general information on the Allegheny National Forest and the sites included in the prospectus, refer to: http://www.fs.usda.gov/allegheny.

• For information on the ANF’s recreation opportunities in this prospectus, refer to:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/allegheny/recreation.

• To view individual recreation area/site brochures or maps offered in this prospectus, refer to: http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/allegheny/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=6083&actid=29.

Figure 4: Kayakers enjoy the Allegheny River http://www.fs.usda.gov/allegheny http://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/allegheny/recreation http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/allegheny/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=6083&actid=29 http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/allegheny/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=6083&actid=29

(see Appendix 1 of the prospectus).

C. Description of Developed Recreation Sites and Facilities 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 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 (see Appendix 5).

• 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 these utilities. Applicants should contact current service providers to obtain estimated costs for the utilities. These utilities are listed below.

Electric: All electrical utilities are individually metered and will be put in the name of the permit holder and become a cost to the permit holder. Arrangements for electrical activation and deactivation and final meter readings will be made by the new permit holder.

The Holder (concessionaire) may not install ad hoc or temporary wiring for any purpose without

Forest Service approval and monitoring.

Table 5. List of current service providers for each site.

Site Name & Type Electric Options

Buckaloons Campground Recreation Area Boat Launch and Day Use Warren Electric- 7 meters

Dewdrop Recreation Area Penelec - 6 meters

Elijah Run Boat Launch and Shoreline Trail No electric service provided

Site Name & Type Electric Options

Farnsworth Cabin Warren Electric - 1 meter

Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground No electric service provided

Hearts Content Recreation Area Warren Electric - 3 meters

Hooks Brook Boat Access Campground No electric service provided

Hopewell Boat Access Campground No electric service provided

Kelly Pines Horse Campground No electric service provided

Kiasutha Campground Recreation Area Day Use Penelec - 13 meters

Loleta Campground Recreation Area Day Use United Electric - 3 meters

Minister Creek Campground No electric service provided

Morrison Boat Access Campground No electric service provided

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground No electric service provided

Red Bridge Recreation Area Penelec - 6 meters

Roper Hollow Boat Launch 2 security lights – Penelec owned

Tracy Ridge Campground No electric service provided

Webbs Ferry Boat Launch & Shoreline Trail No electric service provided

Willow Bay Campground Recreation Area Penelec - 10 meters

Telephone/Cellular/Satellite: The permit holder is required to maintain communication (two-way radios, landline, cell phones, etc.) with their employees, the ANF offices, National

Recreation Reservation System (NRRS), and emergency response agencies (police, fire, and

911). Several recreation sites in this prospectus lack cell phone service, or have limited coverage;

however, the current concessionaire installed cell phone boosters. This equipment does not belong to the ANF and is not part of the concession package. Applicants will be required to provide this service and need to address it in their Operations and Maintenance Plan. Applicants should also describe who will be the concessionaire’s on-site representative(s) and the means of communicating with the Forest Service. The NRRS requires a dedicated fax line for permit holder to receive Daily Arrival Reports. For the recreation areas having cell service, the current provider is Verizon; other providers may be available. See tables for list of current service providers.

Table 6. List of current service providers for each site:

Site Name & Type Service Options

Buckaloons Campground & Buckaloons Recreation Day Use Area and Boat Launch

Verizon – 1 landline to host site; limited cell phone service

Dewdrop Recreation Area Verizon – 1 landline to host site; limited cell phone service

Elijah Run Boat Launch and Shoreline Trail No telephone service; limited cell phone service

Farnsworth Cabin No telephone service; limited cell phone service

Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground Windstream – 1 landline to cabin; limited cell phone service

Hearts Content Recreation Area No telephone service; limited cell phone service

Hooks Brook Boat Access Campground Verizon – 1 landline to host/storage building; limited cell phone service

Hopewell Boat Access Campground No telephone service; limited cell phone service

Kelly Pines Horse Campground No telephone service; limited cell phone service

Kiasutha Campground No telephone service; limited cell phone service

Site Name & Type Service Options

Kiasutha Recreation Day Use Area Verizon – 1 landline to residence/office/entrance booth; 1 land line to sewage treatment plant; limited cell phone service

Loleta Recreation Area Verizon – 1 landline to residence/office/entrance booth; 1 land line to sewage treatment plant; limited cell phone service

Loleta Campground Verizon - 1 landline to maintenance building; limited cell phone service

Morrison Boat Access Campground No telephone service; limited cell phone service

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground No telephone service; limited cell phone service

Red Bridge Recreation Area No telephone service; limited cell phone service

Roper Hollow Boat Launch No telephone service; limited cell phone service

Tracy Ridge Campground No telephone service; limited cell phone service

Webbs Ferry Boat Launch & Shoreline Trail No telephone service; limited cell phone service

Willow Bay Campground No telephone service; limited cell phone service

Willow Bay Recreation Area Verizon – 1 landline to the entrance station; 1 landline to the sewage treatment plant/storage building; limited cell phone service

Propane/Fuel Oil: For areas that utilize propane for heat or hot water, there are a couple of service provider options available. Previous/current provider is Rich Gas., Ferrell Gas is also a potential provider. See tables below for site names with propane/fuel gas.

Table 7. List of current propane and fuel options located at each site:

Site Name & Type Site Options

Buckaloons Campground 2 propane tanks (500 gallon)

Buckaloons Recreation Day Use Area and Boat Launch See above

Dewdrop Recreation Area 1 propane tank (500 gallons)

Elijah Run Boat Launch and Shoreline Trail 1 propane tank (500 gallons)

Farnsworth Cabin No service needed

Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground No service needed

Hearts Content Recreation Area No service needed

Hooks Brook Boat Access Campground No service needed

Hopewell Boat Access Campground No service needed

Kelly Pines Horse Campground No service needed

Kiasutha Campground 1 propane tank (1,000 gallons)

Loleta Recreation Day Use Area 1 propane tank (500 gallons)

Minister Creek Campground No service needed

Morrison Boat Access Campground No service needed

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground No service needed

Red Bridge Recreation Area 2 propane tanks (500 gallons)

Roper Hollow Boat Launch No service needed

Tracy Ridge Campground No service needed

Webbs Ferry Boat Launch & Shoreline Trail No service needed

Willow Bay Campground & Recreation Day Use Area 2 propane tanks (500 gallons)

Water: The water systems under permit are permitted by the Pennsylvania Department of

Environmental Protection. The Holder (concessionaire) is responsible for operating and maintaining all water systems at permitted areas/sites in compliance (obtain/maintain all necessary certifications/permits) with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations for the operation and maintenance of a public drinking water systems.

Table 8. List of current service providers for each site water systems located at each site:

Site Name & Type Water Options

Buckaloons Campground & Recreation Day Use Area and Boat Launch

2 pressurized water systems includes 2 wells, pumps and distribution lines to buildings and 11 water hydrants/spigots throughout the recreation area

Dewdrop Recreation Area 1 pressurized water system includes 1 spring, 2 pressure reducing stations, 26,000-gallon concrete storage tank, chemical distribution treatment, distribution lines to buildings and 15 water hydrants/spigots throughout the recreation area

Elijah Run Boat Launch and Shoreline Trail No water system

Farnsworth Cabin 1 water well, pump, pressure tank, flow meter and chemical disinfection treatment

Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground No water system

Hearts Content Recreation Area 1 spring fed pressurized water system includes small holding tank with submersible pump, chemical disinfection treatment and distribution lines to 8 water hydrants/spigots in the campground and 1 hydrant/spigot in the day use area.

Hooks Brook Boat Access Campground No water system

Hopewell Boat Access Campground No water system

Kelly Pines Horse Campground 1 artesian well (non-potable)

Kiasutha Campground Kiasutha Recreation Area

2 pressurized water systems includes 2 water wells, 2 – 26,000 gallon concrete storage tanks, chemical disinfection treatment, distribution lines to buildings and 21 water hydrants/fountains throughout the recreation area

Loleta Campground Loleta Recreation Day Use Area

1 pressurized water system which includes 1 – 500 gallon and 1 – 10,000-gallon concrete tank, 1 value box located between the tanks, and a 4” PVC and 1” and 2” PE distribution piping system serving 9 water spigots/hose bibs

Minister Creek Campground 1 hand water pump

Morrison Boat Access Campground No water system

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground No water system

Red Bridge Recreation Area 1 pressurized water system includes: 2 water wells, 26,000-gallon concrete storage tank, chemical disinfection treatment, distribution lines to buildings and 11 water hydrants/spigots throughout the recreation area

Roper Hollow Boat Launch No water system

Tracy Ridge Campground 1 water well in Loop E.

Webbs Ferry Boat Launch & Shoreline Trail No water system

Willow Bay Campground & Recreation Day Use Area

1 pressurized water system includes well, pump, 26,000-gallon storage tank, distribution lines to buildings and 12 water hydrants throughout the recreation area

Liquid and Solid Waste Disposal: The Holder (concessionaire) is responsible for operating and maintaining all sewage treatment systems (including sewage treatment plants) in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations for the operation and maintenance of a public sewage systems. The holder is responsible for obtaining/maintain all necessary certifications/permits. An annual Fee ($500.00) for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination

System (NPDES) permits under Chapter 92A must be paid by the permit holder each year.

Pumping of holding tanks (vaults, lift stations, and dump stations) is the responsibility of the holder and must be done as needed. Before a recreation area/site closes at the end of its operating season, holding tanks must be pumped leaving their vaults ¼ full of water. Sewage collected from holding tanks in recreation areas offered in this prospectus can be trucked to the ANF’s North

Central Lagoon (located on SR 321S directly west of the Bradford Ranger District Office) for treatment by the Forest Service. This facility is owned and operated by the U.S. Forest Service.

There is no dumping fee associated with disposal at this time. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7:00 to 3:30. In the event of an emergency during off hours please contact your permit administrator prior to entering site for disposal.

Note: If at any time in the North Central Lagoon becomes non-functional, the permit holder must transport sewage to an approved municipal waste disposal site for treatment at their own expense.

Note: The Concessionaire is responsible for pumping all vault toilets in the boat access campgrounds:

• Hooks Brook Boat-To Campground

• Handsome Lake Boat-To Campground

• Hopewell Boat-To Campground

• Pine Grove Boat-To Campground

• Morrison Boat-To Campground

The Allegheny National Forest will provide specialized equipment (portable holding tanks, pumps, hose and connections) which may be loaned to the concessionaire for the purpose of aiding in pumping boat access campground vault toilets. When complete, the equipment

(government property) must be returned to the Bradford Ranger District where it will be inspected.

Pumping of boat access campground vault toilets will require the transportation of sewage in portable holding tanks via boat (large enough to accommodate a 300-gallon tank) to a boat launch and then pumped into a truck to be transported to the North Central Lagoon for treatment. Boat assistance may be coordinated with the Forest Service, at no charge to the holder, as long as the Forest Service boat is operational. If the Forest Service boat is not operational, the holder will assume all costs with the transport of waste.

See tables below for listing of all vaults/sewage treatment facilities that will be the responsibility of the holder under this permit.

Table 9. List of current liquid and solid waste disposal for each site.

Site Name Site Options

Buckaloons Campground Sewage treatment includes: 2 lift stations (1 Forest Service and 1 Brokenstraw Township) (annual pumping/clean out) and trailer dump station that connects into the Brokenstraw Township Sewage Treatment System, 4 VAULT buildings with 1 vault each (500 gallons). *Note – the permit holder will be responsible for paying Brokenstraw Township Sewer Authority for sewage treatment for the months of May – October of each permit year.

Buckaloons Recreation Day Use Area

Dewdrop Recreation Area Sewage treatment includes 1 lift station (annual pumping/clean out), sewage treatment plant, and trailer dump station that discharges into the sewage system.

Elijah Run Boat Launch and Shoreline Trail

1 VAULT building with 2 vaults (500 gallons each).

Farnsworth Cabin Leach field with holding tanks (occasional pump out needed)

Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground

2 VAULT buildings with 1 vault each (1000 gallons)

Hearts Content Recreation Area 3 VAULT buildings with 1 vault (500 gallons).

Hooks Brook Boat Access Campground 2 VAULT buildings with 1 vault each (1000 gallons)

Hopewell Boat Access Campground 2 VAULT buildings with 1 vault each (1000 gallons)

Kelly Pines Horse Campground 1 VAULT building with 1 vault (500 gallons).

Kiasutha Campground Sewage treatment includes: 2 lift stations with pumps (annual pumping/clean out), sewage treatment plant (pumps), and double trailer dump station that discharges into the sewage system.

Kiasutha Recreation Day Use Area

Loleta Recreation Area Leach field with holding tanks (occasional pump out needed), 5 VAULT buildings with 8 vaults (500 gallons).

Loleta Campground

Minister Creek Campground 1 VAULT building with 2 vaults (500 gallons)

Morrison Boat Access Campground 2 VAULT buildings with 2 vaults (1000 gallons each).

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground 2 VAULT buildings with 1 vault each (1000 gallons)

Red Bridge Recreation Area Sewage treatment includes: sewage sand filters, 2 – 6,000 gallon settling tanks, 2 lift stations with pumps (annual pumping/clean out), 4 VAULT buildings with 8 vaults (500 gallons each), and trailer dump station with tanks (connected to sewage system).

Roper Hollow Boat Launch 1 VAULT building with 1 vault (500 gallons)

Tracy Ridge Campground 5 vault toilet buildings, 3 of which are actively used

Webbs Ferry Boat Launch & Shoreline Trail

1 VAULT building with 2 vaults (500 gallons each)

Willow Bay Campground & Recreation Day Use Area

Sewage treatment includes sewage sand filters, 2 - 6,000 gallon settling tanks, 2 lift stations with pumps (annual pumping/clean out), 4 VAULT buildings with 7 vaults (500 gallons each), and trailer dump station with tanks (connected to sewage system).

Garbage: The holder will be responsible for disposing of all garbage and trash at all recreation sites on a weekly basis, more frequently on holiday or busy weekends. Bear resistant garbage receptacles are required at all recreation sites. Recycling at each site is required. At a minimum, recycling of aluminum cans, plastic bottles and glass must be made available to the public.

Dumpsters supplied by the concessionaire are currently used as garbage receptacles; Veolia

Waste Services or Advanced Disposal are potential providers. The table below provides information on current number and type of receptacles for each site.

Table 10. List of current garbage requirements for each site:

Site Name & Type Site Options

Buckaloons Campground & Recreation Day Use Area and Boat Launch

2 dumpsters (6 yards)

Dewdrop Recreation Area 2 dumpsters (6 yards)

Elijah Run Boat Launch and Shoreline Trail 4 dumpsters (3 – 6 yards, 1 - 4 yards)

Farnsworth Cabin 1 dumpster (6 yard)

Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground Garbage can in Cabin. (Pack in, Pack Out)

Hearts Content Recreation Area No garbage service (Pack In, Pack Out)

Hooks Brook Boat Access Campground 1 dumpster (6 yards)

Hopewell Boat Access Campground No garbage service (Pack In, Pack Out)

Kelly Pines Horse Campground No garbage service (Pack In, Pack Out)

Kiasutha Campground No garbage service (Pack In, Pack Out)

Kiasutha Recreation Day Use Area 4 dumpsters (3 – 6 yards, 1 - 4 yards); Garbage cans in beach/picnic area

Loleta Recreation Day Use Area 4 dumpsters (3 – 6 yards, 1 - 4 yards); Garbage cans in beach/picnic area

Loleta Campground 1 dumpster (8 yards)

Morrison Boat Access Campground No garbage service (Pack In, Pack Out)

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground No garbage service (Pack In, Pack Out)

Red Bridge Recreation Area No garbage service (Pack In, Pack Out)

Roper Hollow Boat Launch 3 dumpsters (6 yards)

Tracy Ridge Campground No garbage service. (Pack in, Pack out)

Webbs Ferry Boat Launch & Shoreline Trail 1 dumpster (4 yards)

Willow Bay Campground No garbage service. (Pack In, Pack Out)

Willow Bay Recreation Day Use Area 6 dumpsters (2 – 6 yards, 4 – 4 yards)

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 Allegheny 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 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.

Table 11. Rec.gov contacts

Name Location Contact

Alison Koopman Region 9 Cell Phone: (585)-205-3298 alison.koopman@usda.gov

Griffin Schireman Forest Service Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR)

Phone: (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.

• Cabins: from 180 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.

• 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.

♦ Golden Age or Golden Access Passport.

mailto:alison.koopman@usda.gov mailto:Griffin.Schireman@usda.gov https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

♦ America the Beautiful–The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass or Access Pass.

♦ 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 Recreation.gov (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 to 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.

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:

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

Table 12. List of sites with the 50 percent discount:

Site Name District

Buckaloons Campground Bradford

Dewdrop Recreation Area Bradford

Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground Bradford

Hearts Content Recreation Area Bradford

Hooks Brook Boat Access Campground Bradford

Hopewell Boat Access Campground Bradford

Kiasutha Campground Bradford

Minister Creek Campground Bradford

Morrison Boat Access Campground Bradford

Pine Grove Campground Bradford

Red Bridge Recreation Area Bradford

Tracy Ridge Campground Bradford

Willow Bay Campground Bradford

Kelly Pines Horse Campground Marienville

Loleta Campground Marienville

Standard Amenity Recreation Fee Sites Under REA [Reserved]. The Forest Service is proposing a revision to FSM 2344.3 to address treatment of standard amenity recreation fee sites in the concession program. The agency reserves the right to amend a special use permit issued under this prospectus to be consistent with any change in that directive.

Table 13. Developed Recreation sites where a standard amenity recreation fee is charged:

Site Name District

Buckaloons Recreation Area Boat Lauch & Day Use Bradford

Elijah Run Boat Launce & Shoreline Trail Bradford

Farnsworth Cabin Bradford

Kiasutha Recreation Area Day Use Bradford

Roper Hollow Boat Launch Bradford

Webbs Ferry Boat Launch & Shoreline Trail Bradford

Willow Bay Recreation Area Boat Launch & Day Use Bradford

Loleta Recreation Area Day Use Marienville

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 Cards The permit holder must provide a customer service comment card to visitors at each developed recreation site (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 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.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recreation/programs/accessibility/ http://www.access-board.gov/

Group Site Capacity

The capacity established for group sites is as follows:

Table 14. Group Site Capacity

Facility / Site Name People Vehicles

Buckaloons Campground (1 tent-only site) 50 20-30

Hearts Content Recreation Area (1 tent-only site) 50 10-20

Loleta Campground (2 sites) 50 each 20-30

Day Use Site Capacity

The capacity established for day use sites is as follows:

Table 15. Day Use Recreation Area Capacity

Facility / Site Name People Vehicles

Buckaloons Day Use Recreation Area 198 20

Elijah Run Boat Launch and Day Use 605 106

Kiasutha Day Use Recreation Area 1040 415

Loleta Day Use Recreation Area 110 30

Roper Hallow Boat Launch and Day use 133 25

Webbs Ferry Boat Launch and Shoreline Trail Day Use 231 40

Willow Bay Day Use Recreation Area 800 120

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 or in overflow parking areas.

• 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 Employee Housing/Office Space/Rentals

A building formerly used for Forest Service seasonal housing may be available to the permit holder to use for seasonal employee housing, office space, and/or public rental at Kiasutha

Recreation Area, and authorized with a separate authorization, either a permit or a lease issued under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act, 40 U.S.C. 490(h)(1). The

“residence” located near the warehouse and sewage treatment plant consists of five rooms

(kitchen, living room, bathroom, and two bedrooms). Utilities include electric and water (when campground is open). Telephone service is available. Limited furnishings are also available and are optional.

Note – Requests from the permit holder to utilize this space will be considered on an annual basis.

Resource Concerns

Vegetation Management

The permittee is not authorized to dig, grade, or clear any vegetation without first gaining the authorized officer’s approval. They must also obtain prior written approval before conducting any work on Civilian Conservation Corps era structures identified in this document. Furthermore, herbicides and pesticides may not be used without prior written approval.

Both the emerald ash borer (EAB) and hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) are on the ANF. The EAB is an extremely destructive insect introduced from Asia, and has killed more than 20 million ash trees in Michigan, Ohio, Maryland, Indiana, and southwestern Pennsylvania. The HWA is another pest introduced from Eastern Asia. It consumes the sap of hemlock and spruce trees. The EAB was identified and treated with a stem injection of insecticide in several ash trees throughout the

ANF’s recreation areas. The HWA was detected in only a few hemlock trees throughout the

ANF’s recreation areas, but more are anticipated in the near future.

Wildlife Mitigation

Aquatic Invasive Species: Possessing, storing, or transporting zebra mussels (36 CFR 261.58(s)) and any aquatic plant (36 CFR 261.58(t)) is prohibited on the ANF (Forest Supervisor Closure

Order 09 – 27, Boat Launching Faculties).