FS-2700-34 Prospectus for Mondeaux 2026.pdf

USDA Forest Service FS-2700-34 (07/2025)

OMB No. 0596-0082

Use Code 142

Prospectus for Granger-Thye Concessions

Mondeaux Dam Lodge, Day Use Site, and Watercraft Rental Service Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

October 2026

USDA Forest Service FS-2700-34 (07/2025)

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 Program and Policies

A. Site Closure B. Reserved Administrative Use C. Applicable Forest Orders D. Fee Tickets and Compilation of Use and Revenue Data E. Customer Service Comment Mechanism F. Performance Evaluations G. Accessibility H. Fees Charged to the Public I. Law Enforcement J. 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

USDA Forest Service FS-2700-34 (07/2025)

V. Post-Selection Requirements

VI. 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: 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-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

VII. Optional Appendices

Appendix 19: National Quality Standards for Recreation Site Management (formerly Meaningful Measures)

Appendix 20: Water Testing Requirements and Septic Locations

VIII. Pertinent Materials (Available Upon Request)

1. “Cleaning Recreation Sites” (USDA-Forest Service)

2. Forest Service Sign Handbook, EM-7100-15

3. Forest Service Manual 7400 7420 Drinking Water

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

I. Business Opportunity

A. Introduction

This prospectus is being issued to solicit applications for a concession restaurant and commercial recreation rental service special use permit. A permit to provide high-quality public service in the operation and maintenance of Government-owned recreation facilities located on the Medford-Park Falls Ranger District, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, will be issued. The permit will include the following developed sites:

• Concession restaurant service at Mondeaux Dam Lodge

• Mondeaux Day Use Area (i.e., swimming beach and picnic grounds)

• Commercial Recreation Rental Service (i.e., boat rentals)

The authorized officer for this business opportunity is the Forest Supervisor for the Chequamegon- Nicolet National Forest, 500 Hanson Lake Road, Rhinelander, Wisconsin.

The last permit for this business opportunity ended in 2025 and the Mondeaux Dam Lodge was closed to the public in 2025 & 2026.

Over the past four years, this concession has generated the following gross revenues:

Year Gross Revenue

2025 Closed 2024 Not Available 2023 $193,006 2022 $147,352

The buildings were closed to the public from 2017 - 2021 for major upgrades. From 2017 – 2019 the lodge was operated as a concession service selling prepackaged items out of an exterior trailer. In 2016 and years prior, the concession revenue under the restaurant model was comparable to 2022- 2023.

B. Area Description

Mondeaux Dam Lodge and Day Use Area are in Taylor County near the City of Medford on the Medford/Park Falls Ranger District in the southwestern part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (see Appendix 1: Area and Vicinity Map and Appendix 2: Maps of Developed Recreation Site). From Medford, the larger cities of Wausau, WI and Eau Claire, WI are a short one-hour drive.

Larger metropolitan areas within a half-day’s drive are Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (170 miles), Madison, WI (209 miles), Milwaukee, WI (255 miles), and Chicago, IL (348 miles).

The lakes, rivers, woods, and small towns of the Wisconsin Northwoods have been the destination of recreationists and vacationers for over a century. The Northwoods weather is characterized by pleasant summers of warm days and cool nights; temperatures during the summer are relatively mild, averaging from 60° to 85° during the day. Nighttime temperatures average about 56°. Spring weather (through the month of June) is often cool and rainy. Warmer, drier weather typically arrives in July. Late July and August are usually warm and often sunny. September and October are typically mild in the daytime and cold at night. The winters generally offer snowfalls and cold temperatures.

Recreational opportunities for the public occur year-round on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The 2021 National Visitor Use Monitoring report estimated that 412,000 annual visitors use the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest each year. Approximately 43% are local visitors from within 50 miles, 42% are visitors from 50-200 miles away, and 15% are visitors from over 200 miles away.

The Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area was developed in the late 1930s to encourage recreational use of the National Forest. The 411-acre flowage was created in 1936 with development of the dam.

The lodge, dwelling, garage, and grounds were built in the following two winters, with the first season of operations being in 1939. Originally designed as a “Bath and Clubhouse” the main building has seen major remodels in the 1980s, the mid-2000s, and the most recent remodel in 2021.

The function of the building remains true to its original design. The complex is a fully modern facility with National Historic Register status. This prospectus continues the decades long tradition of operating the lodge and grounds as the focal point for outdoor recreation on the flowage.

Recreationists use the area for the enjoyment of:

• Fishing o Anglers can expect to catch muskie, northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish. There is a Forest Service boat launch directly north of the lodge at the Lakeview Picnic Area and a boat launch at Picnic Point Campground.

• Hiking o The nearby Aldo Leopold Trail is a 1.2-mile self-guided, non-motorized nature trail located along an esker. Rustic wood interpretive signs along the trail highlight Aldo Leopold’s conservation ethics and legacy.

o The 1,000-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a continuous footpath through diverse landscape that follows the features that mark the furthest advance of the last glacier in Wisconsin. The trail traverses directly through the Mondeaux Dam Lodge site.

• Camping o There are four Forest Service-managed developed campgrounds on the flowage: Picnic Point (5 sites), Eastwood (22 sites), Spearhead Point (27 sites), and West Point(15 sites). Campers often use the Mondeaux Lodge showers.

• Winter Sports o Snowmobiling trails are directly adjacent to the lodge.

o Cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails are nearby at the Perkinstown

Winter Sports Area operated by Taylor County.

o Ice fishing occurs on virtually all local lakes.

• Natural Attractions o Glacial Springs Artesian Well: The well is Forest Service-owned and very popular with local residents. It is 0.7 miles south of the lodge on FR 1563.

This site is fully accessible throughout the year.

• Special Events o Midwest States 100 Trail Race on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. In late

August, this event, under special use permit with the Forest Service, brings in over 200 participants plus support crews and spectators to the area. The event has used the lodge grounds as the start and end point of the race.

o The picnic grounds at the Mondeaux Dam Lodge are a popular gathering space for special occasions.

Use of the facility is heaviest from mid-June through Labor Day. Use drops off after the Labor Day Weekend; however, if the weather stays nice, moderate weekend use may continue through October.

Local roads are plowed in the winter by the Town of Westboro. Seasons of operations have varied in the past. Winter visitation depends on sufficient snowfall to attract snowmobilers and skiers to the area. The lodge has potential to be a destination in all seasons. The minimum operating season is the Thursday before Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Forest Service understands the variable patterns of outdoor recreation in the shoulder season and winter. More details are in IV. Application D: Evaluation of Applications.

C. Description of Developed Recreation Site and Facilities

The following is a description of each developed recreation site included in this prospectus (see Appendix 2 of the prospectus).

Built facilities associated with the concession site consist of Mondeaux Dam Lodge (restaurant building with attached patio), a two-car garage, Mondeaux Day Use Area (i.e., swimming beach and picnic grounds), and the surrounding grounds. More detail is provided in Appendix 3: Government - Furnished Property. These facilities are located on a 1.5-acre site adjacent to the Mondeaux Flowage Dam.

The site was used in the winter in 2022-23 and 2023-24. As part of a rehabilitation project in 2022, the lodge was insulated, new double pane windows were installed, a new furnace was installed, and the fireplace in the lodge was made operational. Consequently, the site can be operated during the winter.

Minor maintenance projects are being completed prior to the next permit holder being authorized to operate in 2027. The minor projects that will be completed by the Forest Service staff during this time include general cleaning of all facilities, repainting all interior walls, minor cosmetic repairs to the interior chimney, and refinishing the wood floors in the lodge. The Forest Service expects to complete maintenance repairs by March 1, 2027.

The Lodge is a 2,000 square foot, historic Works Progress Administration/Civilian Conservation Corps-era, single-story wood frame structure. The garage is a two-door, 735 square foot, single-story wood frame structure, with lofted storage.

The water system consists of one well, electric submersible pump, and electrical control panel. The well is nearest to the lodge. The building has a dedicated septic system.

The permit will authorize the use of everything inside and directly outside of the Lodge, including the patio and trash bins adjacent to the building, the concrete sidewalk areas, the picnic and grill area, the beach, the upper parking lot, the lower parking lot, the trail and stairs between the lots, the access road, the lawn within the permit area, and the vault toilet (see Appendix 2). The grounds within the permit area shall be maintained in a well-manicured condition.

Commercial Recreation Rental Service

The Commercial Recreation Rental Service may include non-motorized watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddle boards. It may also include smaller motorized pontoons (20 feet in length or less) or motorized fishing boats (12 feet in length or less with outboard motors less than 10 horsepower). It must not include motorized speed boats, jet boats, jet skis, or water scooters (motorized personal watercraft). The number of watercrafts offered for rent is at the discretion of the permit holder. In addition, other non-motorized equipment may be rented, such as bicycles, with prior approval from the Forest Service. All recreational rental equipment is to be procured and owned by the permit holder.

Permit Exclusions

The permit does not include the onsite playground equipment, the dam, the caretaker’s residence, propane tank, and residence lawn, nor does it include the adjacent Lakeview Picnic Area. The caretaker’s residence lawn includes the sidewalk, mowed area to the treeline and parking lot, septic field connected to the residence, and landscape trees within the lawn. This exclusion area is identified on the maps in Appendix 02: Maps of Developed Recreation Site. The caretakers residence will be maintained and used by the Forest Service for housing for seasonal USFS employees. The concessionaire will need to reserve two parking spaces in the upper parking lot for the USFS employees. The USFS will provide signage for these parking spaces.

D. Government Furnished Property

The Forest Service will provide certain property in conjunction with the concession 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 these utilities. Applicants should contact current service providers to obtain estimated costs for the utilities.

The permit holder will need to establish their own accounts with the appropriate service provider.

These utilities include:

Electrical

The current service provider is Jump River Electric, 1102 West 9th Street North, Ladysmith, WI 54848. (715)-532-5524.

Telephone

The authorized provider for telephone service is Frontier/Verizon.

Propane

Two Forest Service-owned propane tanks are provided as part of this offering. The companies who can service utilities in the area are River Country Cooperative, 715-723-2828, and Medford Cooperative, 715-748-3076. The permit holder must maintain the minimum amount of propane in the tanks at all times.

Water

Water is sourced from an onsite public well. The permit holder is required to operate and maintain the water system in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations for the operation and maintenance of a public drinking water system (see Appendix 10: Operation of Federally Owned Drinking Water Systems and Appendix 20: Water Testing Requirements and Septic Locations). Coordination with the USFS for access to the shared well water system will be required as described in Appendix 09: Minimum Content of the Proposed Annual Operating Plan.

Garbage

The permit holder will be responsible for garbage removal. There is currently no scheduled service and no dumpsters.

Liquid and Solid Waste Disposal

The permit holder is responsible for pumping the vault toilet and septic system for the main lodge. A local provider is Black River Transport, 715-748-3100.

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 concessions. All applications must be consistent with these requirements.

A. 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.

B. 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.

C. Applicable Forest Orders

Forest orders may be issued to address a variety of management concerns on a particular forest.

Current forest orders related to the offering are identified in Appendix 4. Additional applicable forest orders may be issued in the future.

D. Fee Tickets and Compilation of Use and Revenue Data

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:

• Total gross revenue.

• Cost of License and Permits.

• Total net revenue.

E. 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).

F. 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.

G. 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/managing-land/national-forests-grasslands/accessibility/resources. 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.

H. 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.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/national-forests-grasslands/accessibility/resources.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/national-forests-grasslands/accessibility/resources.

• 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.

I. 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.

J. Other Pertinent Information

Employee Housing Employee housing of the permittee or their employees is not available on site.

Archaeological Resources The Mondeaux site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Therefore, the permit holder has responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA) to help the Forest Service maintain the historic significance of the site. Prior to any activity which would modify the building or grounds, the permit holder must obtain approval from the Forest Service. Examples of these activities include ground disturbance, facility maintenance, improvements especially to the outside of any building, etc.

Butane and Propane Installations For safety and regulatory reasons, the permit holder is not allowed to install or store bulk butane or propane, except for the propane tank already installed and listed in Appendix 3.

Mondeaux Flowage Drawdowns Occasional Over Winter Drawdowns (OWDD) may occur on the Mondeaux Flowage as determined by the Forest Service and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. These drawdowns of the flowage may occur while the Lodge is still in operation but do not classify as a closure subject to non-use status.

Mondeaux Flowage Aerator The Westboro Sportsman Club requests to place an aerator annually in the flowage. The purpose of this aerator is to maintain higher oxygen levels in areas vulnerable to winter fish kills in an effort to prevent or reduce severity of the fish kill. The club may request to source electricity from the exterior 120 V outlet at the lodge. Operations typically begin in January and last until ice out. The

Forest requires the concessionaire to support this effort.

Special Events The greater Mondeaux area, including the lodge, is popular for special events. Third parties wishing to use the Mondeaux Dam Lodge building and/or grounds for a special event must coordinate with the Forest Service to determine if a special use permit is required. The permit holder is required to support special events in coordination with the Forest Service and refer inquiries to the Forest Service. If the permit holder wishes to host special events as part of the concession business this should be proposed in an annual operating plan.

Hazard Tree Removal

The permit holder will have to conduct pre-season inspection of the recreation site to identify existing and potential hazards, including hazard trees. The permit holder also will be responsible for monitoring, identifying, and mitigating 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 the adjusted gross revenue per year. The annual operating plan will address appropriate disposal of hazard trees and slash.

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 site in accordance with the special use permit.

Holder-Furnished Vehicles

The permit holder may not use all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, or motor bicycles on the grounds.

The holder may propose use of 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 MRRI, 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 $25,000 for injury or death to one person per occurrence;

$100,000 for injury or death to more than one person per occurrence; and $300,000 for third-party property damage per occurrence, or in the minimum amount of $300,000 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 not be required for this permit.

E. Bonding

Bonding will not be required for this permit.

IV. Applications

A. Instructions for Submitting Applications

Applicants must submit an application for the entire day use area 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).

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 Steve Kuennen, Acting Forest Supervisor, Attention: Recreation Special Uses, 500 Hanson Lake Road, Rhinelander, WI 54501 by mail or by email to karen.katz@usda.gov .

Applications must be received by close of business (4:30 p.m.) on December 11, 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 establishing the entity or a certificate of good standing under the laws of the state where the entity is located.

Applicants should contact Karen Katz, Recreation Program Manager at 715-362-1381 or karen.katz@usda.gov regarding any questions related to this prospectus.

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 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

The minimum operating season is the Thursday before Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Applicants may propose a longer annual operating season. All facilities in the concession opportunity must be open five days per week, including holidays, during the minimum annual operating season. Weekly schedule during the minimum operating season must include open days every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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 N/A 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 a restaurant and recreation facility (e.g., 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.

SBDC Review

All business plans will be independently reviewed by an SBDC. Applicants are required to submit one copy of their business plan. If an applicant’s current fiscal year business plan has already been reviewed by an SBDC, the applicant 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. In addition, the Forest Service may consider past performance information from other sources.

3. Financial Resources

Applicants must submit a complete set of all financial statements for the last three fiscal years that have been audited, reviewed, or compiled by a certified public accountant (CPA). For any financial statements that were only compiled by a CPA, applicants must complete FS-6500-24, Financial Statement (see Appendix 17 of the prospectus) for certification of the accuracy of the financial statements.

Applicants must complete FS-6500-24 for any of the last three fiscal years they were in business for which a financial statement was not audited, reviewed, or compiled by a CPA. An applicant who has had a financial ability determination (FAD) conducted within the past year should include a statement to that effect along with the forest name, contact name and telephone number.

Additionally, applicants must identify any pending applications or new permits obtained from the Forest Service since the FAD was completed.

In completing FS-6500-24, LLCs must list the name of the company in block 1, the names and interests of the principals in block 5, and their members should be listed in block 6. In addition, LLCs must complete the certification in Part (D)(1) of FS-6500-24.

An applicant who has not been in business for the last three fiscal years, and therefore cannot submit audited, reviewed, or compiled financial statements or an FS-6500-24, must submit three fiscal years of projected financial statements compiled by a CPA using the forecast method.

Any financial information submitted by applicants must conform to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or other comprehensive bases of accounting. Any previously prepared financial documents that are submitted must be unredacted and in their original form, including footnotes.

Applicants must show at least 25 percent of the first year's operating costs in liquid assets. Liquid assets are assets that are readily converted into cash.

Applicants also must complete blocks 1 through 5 of form FS-6500-25, Request for Verification (see Appendix 18 of the prospectus) and submit the signed and dated form with the application. The Forest Service will forward the FS-6500-25 for the most qualified applicant to the Albuquerque Service Center for processing. The auditor assigned to conduct the FAD will send a copy to each financial institution with which the applicant does business. The financial institutions must complete blocks 6 through 15 of the form and mail the completed form to N/A: an FAD will not be required for this prospectus.

4. Fees Charged to the Public

Applicants must provide a list of all fees they propose to charge to the public for the first three years of operation, including fees for required and optional services (see Appendix 9, Sample Annual Operating Plan, for a list of required and optional services). Discuss any variable pricing, discounts, and passes. All proposed fees to be charged to the public also must be included in the business plan as an income item.

The Forest Service reserves the right to regulate the rates charged to the public.

5. Fee to the Government

The Government is obligated to obtain fair market value for the use of its land and improvements.

The minimum fee is $9,343 per year. The minimum fee is the concession’s average gross revenue for the past two years, multiplied by the current 30-year Treasury bond rate. The minimum fee will be adjusted at the end of the first five years of the permit term if the permit is extended for five years.

Minimum Fee Calculation

Year Gross Revenue

2022 $147,352 2023 $193,006 2024 $Not Available

Total $340,358

Total gross revenue ÷ 2 = average gross revenue

$340,358 ÷ 2 = $170,179

Average gross revenue multiplied by the current 30-year Treasury bond rate = the minimum annual fee.

$170,179 x (5.29%) = $9,002 minimum annual fee

Applicants may propose a fee below the minimum, provided they can document why this amount represents fair market value. However, the Forest Service may reject the proposed fee if the agency determines that it does not reflect fair market value.

Applicants must propose the fee to the Government as a percentage of the concession’s adjusted gross revenue. One percentage may be proposed for the entire permit term, or the percentage may vary each year. However, if a consolidated fee payment will be proposed, one percentage rate must be proposed for the entire period of consolidated payments.

The proposed fee to the Government also must be included in the business plan as an expense item in the cash flow projections.

The fee to the Government may be offset in whole or in part by the value of Government MRRI, performed at the permit holder’s expense in accordance with a GT fee offset agreement (see section III of the prospectus).

6. Application Fee

Cost Recovery

Applications submitted in response to this prospectus are subject to cost recovery pursuant to 36 CFR 251.58(c)(1)(ii) and (c)(3)(iii). Applicants must submit a processing fee of $100.00 to cover the cost of the prospectus and review of the application. Payments due the United States for this application must be paid in the form of a bank draft, money order, or cashier’s check payable to the USDA-Forest Service. Payments will be credited on the date received by the designated Forest Service collection officer or deposit location. Additionally, the selected applicant will be responsible for the costs of preparing and issuing the permit and conducting a FAD, unless the Forest Service has conducted a FAD for the applicant within the past year. If a FAD has been completed for the applicant within the last 12 months, the applicant will be responsible for the cost of adjusting it to reflect any change this selection will have on the applicant’s financial ability.

D. Evaluation of Applications

A Forest Service evaluation team will evaluate each application utilizing the non-fixed weight method.

The following evaluation criteria are listed in descending order of importance:

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

• Business plan, business experience, and references.

• Financial resources.

• Fees charged to the public.

• Fee to the Government.

The following are the qualitative factors for each criterion:

Exceeds - The proposal is very comprehensive, in-depth, clear and uniformly outstanding in quality. Consistently high-quality performance can be expected. The proposal, as written, exceeds requirements and demonstrates an exceptional understanding of goals and objectives of the operation. One or more major strengths exist. No significant weaknesses exist.

Acceptable - The proposal meets all minimum requirements and generally is of high quality.

Proposal demonstrates an acceptable understanding of goals and objectives of the operation.

There may be both strengths and weaknesses, but the strengths outweigh the weaknesses.

Deficiencies are minor and easily corrected. Proposal is acceptable as written. Satisfactory performance can be expected.

Marginal - The proposal fails to meet minimum requirements. Proposal demonstrates a fair understanding of the goals and objectives of the operation. Weaknesses outbalance any strength that exists. Weaknesses will be difficult to correct and would require negotiations.

Unacceptable - The proposal fails to…