OSF White Rock Prospectus and Appendices.pdf

USDA - Forest Service

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Use Code 146

Prospectus for Granger-Thye Concessions Resort Permit for

Shores Lake & White Rock Recreation Areas

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

Forest Service Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Boston Mountain Ranger District

October 2025

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

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 i

Prospectus for Granger-Thye Concessions Resort Permit, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

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-2700-4, Special-Use Permit, 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)

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I. Business Opportunity A. Introduction This prospectus is being issued to solicit applications for a Resort special use permit. A permit to provide high-quality public service in the operation and maintenance of Government-owned recreation facilities located on the Boston Mountain Ranger District, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, will be issued. The permit will include the following developed sites:

Table 1. Site List

Site Name Site Type

Shores Lake Recreation Area White Rock Recreation Area

The authorized officer for this business opportunity is the Forest Supervisor for the Ozark-St.

Francis National Forests.

Dan Olsen Ozark-St. Francis National Forests 605 W Main Street Russellville, AR 72801

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

Table 2. Three Year Average Gross Revenue for Shores Lake & White Rock

Year Gross Revenue

2024 $283,219.41 2023 $256,526.59 2022 $236,382.46

Three Year Average Gross Revenue $258,709.48 These totals only include camping fees and day use fees at Shores Lake and White Rock, no additional amenities.

B. Area Description

Overview of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests The Boston Mountain Ranger District is located in the hills of northwest Arkansas and provides a wide mix of opportunities and resources for people to enjoy. The district is comprised of about 195,000 acres.

The Boston Mountain Ranger District is located within the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, with an office located in Ozark, AR. The Supervisor’s office is located in Russellville, AR. The forests offer hundreds of camping and picnic sites, ten swimming beaches, five wilderness areas, six scenic byways, six wild and scenic rivers, two levels of underground caverns, thousands of acres of lakes and streams, and more than 300 miles of trails. Located primarily in central and northwest Arkansas, the forests offer numerous opportunities for single day trips or extended vacations filled with fun and relaxation.

With more than 300 miles of trails across the on the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, a variety of trail recreation opportunities are available to visitors including hiking, biking, off highway vehicles (OHVs), interpretive, and equestrian. Single and multi-use trails offer varying degrees of difficulty. Trails vary in length from interpretive trails that can be less than a mile to the 196-mile Ozark Highlands Trail.

From the peacefulness of dogwood blossoms in the spring to the brilliance of fall colors, there are six scenic byways giving visitors experiences they can only find in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. These scenic byways are Scenic 7, Ozark Highlands, Sylamore, Pig Trail, Mt. Magazine, and St. Francis (see Appendix 1 of the prospectus).

For general information on the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests and the sites included in the prospectus, refer to the forests webpage (https://www.fs.usda.gov/osfnf).

C. Description of Developed Recreation Sites and Facilities The following is a description of the recreation facilities and government owned property included in this prospectus. Use this information together with the maps included in Appendix 1 and 2, and the Inventory of Government Furnished Property (Appendix 3). Appendix 9 outlines requirements associated with all items listed below. Applicants should review all requirements and apply to their proposal.

Shores Lake Recreation Area Shores Lake Recreation Area consists of a campground, trailhead parking area (Shores Lake/White Rock Loop), boat launch, picnic pavilion, picnic area, swimming beach, and fishing areas. The site is open year-round, but the picnic area and swim beach have historically only remained open from May – September with hours of operation from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The area includes two bath houses – one in the campground and one at the swim beach. The campground bath house consists of two accessible shower stalls, a sink with a mirror, and hot water. The swim beach bath house consists of five toilets, one urinal, four sinks, and six showers.

The fishing pier is wheelchair accessible and designed with underwater features to attract fish, and the pavilion is available by reservation.

Shores Lake Recreation Area offers an 82-acre lake that sits at an elevation of 1,034 feet. This lake is the result of a dam for which construction began in the 1930s by men in a nearby Civilian Conservation Corps camp. The dam was completed in 1958 through a cooperative effort between the USDA Forest Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The lake offers many opportunities for recreation to visitors accompanied by a variety of amenities. The lake is stocked with bass, catfish, and bluegills.

Shores Lake Loop Trail is a showcase of upland hardwoods and shortleaf pine groves. The trail treats hikers to views of waterfalls and wildlife. The trailhead is located within Shores Lake Recreation Area.

Shores Lake camping is currently run by the Forest Service, operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and is available year-round. The campground offers 25 campsites, including some double/multi-unit sites. These campsites were designed to accommodate a variety of recreation

Previous edition obsolete https://www.fs.usda.gov/osfnf https://www.fs.usda.gov/osfnf vehicles including camping trailers, but there are no water hook-ups or a dump station. Each site contains a picnic table, grill and/or fire ring, lantern pole, and tent pad. Some sites are fully accessible including paths to drinking water, vault restrooms, and hot showers. While the site is open year round potable water is not available for the full year as the potable water lines are above ground and must be shut off before freezing weather. The typical time frame for water shutoff is mid-October through mid-April, weather-dependent.

Current fees are as follows per site/per day unless otherwise stated:

• Pavillion: $35

• Campground Sites o Double: $30 o Single (with electricity): $20 o Single (without electricity): $15

• Day Use (Beach, Boat Ramp, General): $5/vehicle

White Rock Recreation Area Step into the past by visiting the three natural stone cabins and the lodge on White Rock Mountain built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). President Franklin D.

Roosevelt formed the CCC during the Great Depression. Wind, rain, and natural elements caused the deterioration of the buildings over the years. In 1987 a volunteer group, Friends of White Rock, began a project to renovate the structures. With a lot of hard work, the cabins and lodge were restored in 1991. Visitors to White Rock Mountain enjoy scenic views from the cabins.

White Rock Mountain is 2,309 feet above sea level and received its name from the appearance of the lichen on the sheer bluffs that look white from a distance. High bluffs surround this area so please use caution while along the bluff line, especially with small children.

White Rock Mountain is the hub of several trail systems. It offers a 17-mile loop trail south to Shores Lake and returns to intersect with the Ozark Highlands Trail. Around the rim of the mountaintop is a 2-mile loop trail. Along this trail are three historic shelters built by the CCC using native stone and oak logs. These shelters offer scenic viewpoints and a glimpse into the area’s conservation history. A fourth shelter, which was lost to fire, is planned to be rebuilt by the Forest Service, restoring the shelter system to its original design.

The recreation area includes three rental cabins and a lodge. Each structure features a cook stove, refrigerator, hot water, and sleeping accommodations. The lodge includes a free-standing wood stove and some original antique furniture and can accommodate up to 16 people. Cabin A can sleep up to six people, Cabin B up to six people, and Cabin C up to four people. All lodging is accessible and available for rent year-round.

There are also eight family camping units with tent pads, fire pits, vault restrooms and drinking water available. There is one group site without electricity. An on-site administrative building also serves as a general store, office, and host housing for staff, providing support for concession operations.

Current fees are as follows per site/per day unless otherwise stated:

• Lodge $215: (up to 16 guests)

• Cabin A & B: $125 (up to 6 guests)

• Cabin C: $125 (up to 4 guests)

• Single Campsites: $15

• Group Campsite: $20

• Day Use: $5/vehicle

Table 3. Recreation Area Characteristics Amenity White Rock Shores Lake

Communications Telephone hookups at administrative building

Telephone hookup at administrative Emergency Phone at Campground Bath House

Utilities Water, electricity, and septic holding tank at each building

Water, electricity, and septic holding tanks at administrative building and bathhouses, electricity is provided at 10 camp sites - Sites have 110- and 30-amp access

Drinking Water Provided by the Forest Service Spring Box Provided by the Forest Service Well

Toilet/Shower Type

2- CXT vault toilets 3- CXT vault toilets 1-Campground Bathroom with showers 2-Bathhouse with showers

Toilet Vault Capacity 500-1,000 gallons 500-1,000 gallons

Forest Service Trash Bins 1 (Bear Proof) 2 (Bear Proof)

Trash Bin Type Permit holder will provide dumpsters or trash bins

4 dumpsters provided by Forest Service dumped by contractor

Accessibility 2 CXT Vault Toilets Bathroom, Fishing Piers, CXT Vault toilets, Pavilion, & boat launch

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 (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.”

• “Recreation Opportunity Guides” can be viewed and downloaded from the Forest’s website under the Maps & Publications page, available at the following URL:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/osfnf/maps-pubs

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• Title VI signs.

F. Utilities and Waste Management Certain utilities and infrastructure exist at the 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 in the table below.

Table 4. Utilities Location(s) Service Contact

Shores Lake Electrical

Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Avecc.com

1-800-468-2176 or 1-479-667-2176 208 S 17th Street Ozark, AR 72949

White Rock Electrical

Ozarks Electric Cooperative 1-800-521-6144

3641 Wedington Drive Fayetteville, AR 72704

White Rock Propane

AmeriGas 479-667-1669

1219 AR-23

Ozark, AR 72949

White Rock Water

Solair Water Inc.

479-783-1580

2900 N O Street Fort Smith, AR 72901-2368

White Rock Liquid & Solid Waste Disposal

Day’s Septic Tank Service

(479) 970-8339

1021 Gar Creek Lane, Ozark, AR 72949

Jerry’s Drain Services

(479) 783-0010

Fort Smith, AR 72901 Shores Lake and

White Rock Telephone Century Link

Shores Lake and White Rock Garbage Waste Management wm.com/us/en/location/ar

Septic System Shores Lake has two lift stations for sewage disposal with one located by the campground bathroom. The other lift station is in the day use area by the campground bathhouse. These systems consist of several tanks which eventually pump the gray water to a leach field for disposal. The leach field area requires mowing periodically. PVC pipes are located above the tank so precautions must be taken to avoid damaging them while mowing. All facilities at White Rock are on their own stand-alone septic systems.

Routine maintenance for these (all lifts and septic systems) will include placing enzymes down the drain to help break down solid waste that accumulates in the tanks. Pumping out septic tanks may be required when needed. Cost associated with treating and pumping the tanks will be the responsibility of the permit holder.

Water Shores Lake and White Rock are transient, non-community water systems (do not serve the same 25 persons for 180 days) that, per the Arkansas Department of Health regulations, require monthly sampling. The Shores Lake system consists of a 160-foot well with a 5,900-gallon underground water tower which distributes water to the campground and day use area. The White Rock system consists of a spring box with several hundred feet of water line that fill an above ground water tank located near the administrative building. Due to this system being spring fed (under surface influence) additional testing is being required by the Arkansas Department of Health.

The permit holder is required to conduct sampling and to submit all documents by the 5th of every month to the Forest Service, who is the custodian of records. Documents, schematics and technical assistance will be provided to the permit holder as needed. It is highly recommended that the operator of both systems being qualified as a Water Treatment Operator, grade II.

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 this concession.

All applications must be consistent with these requirements.

A. Recreation.gov The Ozark St.-Francis 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 5. Rec.gov contacts Name Location Contact

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

Previous edition obsolete https://Recreation.gov https://Recreation.gov https://Recreation.gov https://Recreation.gov https://Recreation.gov 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.

♦ 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 to 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).

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Because reservations can be made up to a year in advance for group sites and up to 6 months in advance for family sites, Recreation.gov is currently accepting reservations for the upcoming operating season. Fees received by Recreation.gov will be held by the Forest Service and distributed following issuance of a special use permit to the successful applicant. In the final year of the permit, fees will be held in the same manner until a new permit is issued. The permit holder will honor reservations made prior to issuance of the permit at the price in effect when the reservations were made. If funds are distributed prematurely for dates outside the permit term, a bill for collection will be issued to the permit holder.

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

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

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

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

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

All single campsites within the Shores Lake Campground

All single campsites within the White Rock Campground

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.

Shores Lake Day Use

White Rock Day Use

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

Previous edition obsolete 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.

The Federal Highway Administration is currently working to repair damage caused by landslides to one of several routes leading to White Rock Recreation Area. These repairs are currently anticipated to be completed in 2026. This only impacts one of multiple access routes to the site.

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 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 Forests.

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

Previous edition obsolete https://www.fs.usda.gov/recreation/programs/accessibility/ http://www.access-board.gov/ https://board.gov www.access customer may be required to pay for an additional camping unit or park in an overflow parking area, if available. One towed vehicle per single camping unit will be allowed for no extra charge if it can be parked completely on the surfaced area and does not create a safety hazard. Examples of towed vehicles include a boat trailer or a car towed by a motor home.

Group Site Capacity

The capacity established for group sites is as follows:

Table 6. Group Site Capacity Facility / Site Name People Vehicles White Rock Site #9 12 5

Day Use Site Capacity

Table 7. Day Use Capacity Facility / Site Name People Vehicles Shores Lake - Swim 90 30 Shores Lake - Picnic 48 16

Shores Lake - Pavillion 48 16 Shores Lake - Boat Launch 24 8

Shores Lake - Loop Trailhead 24 8 Shores Lake - Loop Trailhead Overflow Parking 12 4

White Rock - Day Use 48 16 White Rock - OHT parking 40 10

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

M. Fees Charged to the Public The permit holder may charge the public fees only to the extent that the Forest Service can charge recreation fees under REA. All recreation fees must be specified per developed recreation site.

The holder must honor the proposed pricing through the first full operating season. Thereafter, the holder may propose price adjustments with justification.

Permit holders may not charge for any of the following:

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

• General access, unless specifically authorized by REA.

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

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

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

• Use of overlooks or scenic pullouts.

• Travel by private, non-commercial 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-operated sites. See Appendix 8 of the prospectus.

O. Other Pertinent Information Trail Maintenance

The recreation areas include two designated trails: the White Rock Rim Trail and the Shores Lake Loop Trail, both of which originate within the permit area. The Shores Lake Loop Trail also connects Shores Lake and White Rock Recreation Areas. These trails are open to the public and are an important part of the recreation experience.

The permit holder will be responsible for basic trail maintenance, including but not limited to brushing and minor tread repair, for trails located within the recreation areas. Brushing must occur at least once per year in late spring or early summer. The permit holder may collect applicable day-use fees to support trail use and maintenance.

The Forest Service will coordinate with the permit holder on major trail repairs and respond to storm or wind events that result in significant trail damage. The holder may also engage with volunteer groups, such as the Ozark Highlands Trail Association, to assist with trail maintenance efforts.

Shelters

Three original stone shelters, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) using native stone and oak logs, are located along the White Rock Rim Trail. These historic shelters provide scenic overlooks and are a valued part of the recreation experience.

The permit holder is responsible for routine upkeep of these structures, including litter removal, general cleaning, and reporting any damage or safety concerns to the Forest Service. Structural repairs, restoration, or modifications are not authorized without prior coordination and approval from the Forest Service, as the shelters are considered historic resources.

A fourth shelter, lost to fire, is planned for future construction by the Forest Service.

Administrative Building

The administrative building at White Rock is a single-frame house that serves the concessionaire’s administrative office, general store, and host housing. The structure includes one bedroom, a storefront space, a bathroom, and general living accommodations suitable for concession operations and employee use. A detached garage is also available and may be used for storage or other authorized purposes with Forest Service approval.

There are also designated host camping sites with hookups available at both White Rock and Shores Lake to accommodate additional staff.

Wildlife Mitigation

Call the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regarding nuisance animal occurrences. The Forest Service periodically fertilizes and draws down Shores Lake to enhance various fish, aquatic, and vegetative species. The permit holder will be notified in advance of these activities if they could affect concession operations.

Endangered Species

Except where hazard trees pose an immediate threat to the worker or public safety, schedule tree removal from December 1 to February 28th to minimize risks to endangered bats. If hazard trees must be removed outside of that time, coordinate with District recreation and wildlife staff.

Archaeological Resources

Protection of Historic Properties: The permit holder has responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA). Prior to any activity the permit holder must notify the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests of his/her intentions and obtain Forest Service approval prior to any ground disturbance or starting work on any structures. Depending on the actions proposed and the sites involved, the review process can take up to several months.

For such recurring activities as painting and replacing barrier posts, agreements will be worked out with the permit holder and will be included in the Annual Operating Plan.

Condition of Trees

The oak and pine stands within the recreation area are mature to over-mature. During the past few years, the trees have experienced some damage from wind, ice, snow, and heavy rains, and sudden limb drop. Big trees that look healthy on the exterior may contain rotten cores and can drop a heavy limb without any warning.

Hazard Tree Removal

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

Butane and Propane Installations

For safety and regulatory reasons, the permit holder is not allowed to install or store bulk propane or butane without prior written approval from the Forest. Under 49 CFR 171.8, “bulk” is defined as any liquid container with a capacity greater than 119 gallons (450 liters). The Forest Service maintains a 500-gallon propane take on a concrete pad to serve the administrative building at White Rock. Any additional tanks exceeding the bulk threshold must be reviewed and specifically authorized in writing as part of the permit conditions.

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 20 years. 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 recreation sites in accordance with the special use permit.

Holder-Furnished Vehicles

The permit holder may not use all-terrain vehicles in the recreation areas. The holder is allowed to use an OHV to get to the spring box. 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 V.D.1(d)). 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.H.1). The permit holder, at its expense, will be required to perform holder MRR under a holder MRR plan (FS- 2700-4h, clause II.D and V.F). The holder MRR plan will describe required holder MRR and its frequency. The holder MRR plan will become part of the permit holder's annual operating plan.

C. Granger-Thye Fee Offset Agreement The federal government owns all the improvements at the developed recreation sites covered by this prospectus. Under Section 7 of the Granger-Thye (GT) Act and the terms of the permit, the permit fee may be offset in whole or in part by the value of Government maintenance, reconditioning, renovation, and improvement (MRRI) performed at the permit holder’s expense.

Government MRRI is defined as maintenance, reconditioning, renovation, or improvement that arrests deterioration, improves and upgrades facilities, and appreciably prolongs the life of the property. Government maintenance, reconditioning, renovation or improvement, whether performed by the holder or the Forest Service, shall be performed at the sole discretion of the authorized officer. See Appendix 14 of the prospectus and FS-2700-4h, clause V.D.1(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 H, 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 V.D.2, 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 $1,000,000 for injury or death to one person per occurrence;

$1,000,000 for injury or death to more than one person per occurrence; and $25,000 for third-party property damage per occurrence, or in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 as a combined single limit per occurrence. Insurance policies must name the USDA Forest Service as an additional insured (see Appendix 10 of the prospectus and FS-2400-4h, clause III.K).

IV. Application A. Instructions for Submitting Applications Applicants must submit a written application for all developed recreation sites offered in this prospectus.

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

Forest Led Facility Tour

A facility tour led by the Forest is scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2026. Interested parties must RSVP to David Brickley at 479-667-2191 and david.brickley@usda.gov by Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

The information in this prospectus is from generally reliable sources, but no warranty is made 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:

Table 8. Application submittals Addressee Title Attention Address Dan Olsen Forest Supervisor David Brickley Boston Mountain Ranger District

1803 N 18th Street Ozark, AR 72949

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Applications must be received by close of business (4:30 p.m.) on March 2nd, 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 David Brickley at 479-667-2191 and david.brickley@usda.gov regarding any questions related to this prospectus. The deadline to submit questions regarding the prospectus is Monday, February 9th, 2026.

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

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

The Forest Service will select the application that offers the best value to the Government. The Forest Service reserves the right to select the successful applicant based on a trade-off between the fee to the Government and technical merit.

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

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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).

o SBDC business plan review fee of $300 made payable to El Camino College

SBDC

• 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, Minimum Content of the Proposed Annual Operating Plan) 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…