Prospectus Humboldt-Toiyabe 2025 Final.pdf

Previous edition obsolete

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

OMB No. 0596-0082

Use Code 141

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions

Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

Figure 1. Photo of the Carson River on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Carson and Bridgeport Ranger Districts

November 2025 i

Contents

I. Business Opportunity A. Introduction B. Area Description C. Description of Developed Recreation Sites and Facilities D. Government Furnished Property E. Government Furnished Supplies F. Utilities and Waste Management

II. Forest Service Concession Programs and Policies A. Recreation.gov B. Pass Discounts C. Camp Stamps D. Site Closure E. Administrative Use F. Applicable Forest Orders G. Fee Tickets and Compilation of Use and Revenue Data H. Customer Service Comment Cards I. Performance Evaluations J. Accessibility K. Camping Unit Capacity L. Stay Limit M. Fees Charged to the Public N. Law Enforcement O. Other Pertinent Information

III. Special Use Permit A. Permit Term B. Permit Holder Responsibilities C. Granger-Thye Fee Offset Agreement D. Insurance

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

V. Post-Selection Requirements

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

Appendices

Appendix 1: Vicinity Map

Appendix 2: Maps of Developed Recreation Sites

Appendix 3: Inventory of Government-Furnished Property

Appendix 4: Applicable Forest Orders

Appendix 5: Sample Use Report

Appendix 6: Sample Customer Service Comment Card

Appendix 7: Standard Performance Evaluation Form

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

Campgrounds

Appendix 9: Minimum Content of the Proposed Annual Operating Plan

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

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

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

Appendix 12: Potential Government Maintenance, Reconditioning, Renovation, and Improvement Projects

Appendix 13: Indirect Cost Reimbursement Letter

Appendix 14: FS-2700-4h, Appendix H, Granger-Thye Fee Offset Claim

Appendix 15: Sample Collection Agreement for Granger-Thye Fee Offset Work

Appendix 16: Sample Business Plan

Appendix 17: FS-6500-24, Financial Statement

Appendix 18: FS-6500-25, Request for Financial Verification

VI. Optional Appendices

Appendix 19: National Quality Standards for Recreation Site Management

(formerly Meaningful Measures)

Appendix 20: Description of Developed Recreation Sites and Facilities

Appendix 21: Water Systems

Appendix 22: Graffiti Removal Protocols

VII. Pertinent Materials (Available Upon Request)

“Cleaning Recreation Sites” (USDA-Forest Service)

PDF: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5348052.pdf

“In Depth Design and Maintenance Manual for Vault Toilets” (USDA-Forest

Service)

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

“Vault Toilet Pumping Contract Specifications and Guidelines for Preparing

Contracts”

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

I. Business Opportunity

A. Introduction This prospectus is being issued to solicit applications for a concession campground special use permit. A permit will be issued to a single entity to provide high-quality public service in the operation and maintenance of government-owned recreation facilities located on the Bridgeport and Carson Ranger Districts of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This permit term will begin January 1, 2027 and will be for five years, with an additional five years that may be awarded, non-competitively at the discretion of the Forest Service, upon satisfactory completion of the original term.

The permit will include the following developed sites:

Bridgeport Ranger District:

Table 1. Site Name and Type – Bridgeport Ranger District

Site Name Site Type

Bootleg Campground

Buckeye Campground

Chris Flat Campground

Crags Campground

Crags Group Site Group Campground

Green Creek Campground

Green Creek Group Sites Group Campground

Honeymoon Flat Campground

Leavitt Meadows Campground

Lower Twin Lake Campground

Obsidian Campground

Paha Campground

Robinson Creek Campground

Sonora Bridge Campground

Trumbull Campground

Carson Ranger District:

Table 2. Site Name and Type – Carson Ranger District

Site Name Site Type

Crystal Springs Campground

Hope Valley Campground

Kit Carson Campground

Markleeville Campground

Mt. Rose Campground

Silver Creek Campground

The authorized officer for this business opportunity is the Forest Supervisor for the Humboldt-

Toiyabe National Forest.

Jon Stansfield

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

1200 Franklin Way

Sparks, NV 89431

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 3. Three Year Average Gross Revenue

Year Gross Revenue

2022 $720,772.80

2023 $612,491.47

2024 $708,776.67

Three Year Average Gross Revenue $680,680.31

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

B. Area Description

Overview of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

The entire Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, with headquarters in Sparks, Nevada, occupies 6.3 million acres throughout Nevada and eastern California (See appendix 1: Vicinity Map). It is the largest National Forest in the lower 48 states. The sites offered under this prospectus are considered one geographic area.

Bridgeport and Carson Ranger Districts

The Sierra Zone of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest includes the Bridgeport and Carson

Ranger Districts which encompasses over 1.3 million acres on the eastern front of the Sierra

Nevada Mountains. This area stretches from Reno, Nevada to just north of Mono Lake, California. Its varied ecosystems range from high alpine peaks (over 12,000 feet) to the sagebrush-covered desert of the Great Basin (4,500 feet). Snow can persist on the highest peaks well into summer. Lower-elevations offer flower-filled meadows in springtime and brilliantly-colored leaves in fall. Fishing enthusiasts enjoy sparkling mountain streams and glacial lakes.

All sites on the Bridgeport Ranger District are within 30 miles of Bridgeport, California. The town of Bridgeport is the county seat for Mono County and relies on a strong tourist and

Government based economy. The population is approximately 500 residents and fluctuates between the summer and winter months. Bridgeport caters to tourism and is not considered a full-service community. The District borders Yosemite National Park to the west and receives high levels of summer use from visitors seeking alternative access to the National Park.

Recreation sites on the Carson Ranger District stretch from the State Highway 431, the Mount

Rose Highway in Reno, Nevada, to approximately 10 miles south of Markleeville, California. All of the sites are within Washoe County and Alpine County and are within a one-to-two-hour drive of the Reno/Carson City metropolitan areas and the California Central Valley. These sites serve as popular getaways for urban populations.

Many of the sites are large and complex, receiving heavy use by the public, while others are small and remote. All the facilities are accessible via paved highways, paved or aggregate surfaced county roads, or Forest Service maintained roads. All facility improvements have been maintained by the current holder and/or the Forest Service. The conditions vary from fair to excellent; most are in fair to good condition. Some developed facility improvements include but are not limited to a camp unit including a table, campfire rings, living and tent surfaces, restroom buildings, water systems, wells, parking barriers, parking spurs, parking lots, roads, drainage structures such as culverts, bridges, sidewalks, signs, fences, gates, bulletin boards, cattle guards, and water storage tanks.

Recreational Opportunities

Some of the most popular recreational activities on the Bridgeport and Carson Ranger Districts include:

• Driving for pleasure. This activity can occur anywhere on the Forest, but occurs primarily on scenic byways. These drives provide views of scenic vistas, beautiful wildflowers, and spectacular fall colors. Several designated scenic byways nearby include

Mount Rose, Monitor Pass, Ebbetts Pass, Carson Pass, Eastern Sierra, Sonora Pass and

Tioga Pass.

• Fishing. There are numerous streams, lakes, and reservoirs that provide excellent fishing opportunities. Both Districts are popular with anglers, many families return year after year to enjoy some of the best trout fishing in the West. There are several permitted fishing outfitter-guides on each District that may provide guided fishing services to campers.

• Boating. Boating on the Districts is limited primarily to Twin Lakes and Virginia Lake.

River rafting and kayaking on the East Fork of the Carson River is a popular activity.

There are several permitted rafting outfitter-guides on the East Carson River that may provide guided rafting and kayaking services to campers.

• Hunting. There are ample opportunities to hunt game of all kinds, including bear, deer, upland game birds and mountain lion.

• Hiking. There are miles of hiking and horseback riding trails in the Hoover Wilderness, Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, Mokelumne Wilderness, and Mt. Rose Wilderness, including the Pacific Crest Trail. There are several permitted hiking, backpacking and rock-climbing outfitter-guides that may provide guided services to campers.

• Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) Travel. This activity is popular on the Forest. Routes traverse some of the most spectacular country the area has to offer. Bridgeport and

Carson Ranger Districts have a current motor vehicle use map available for the public.

The Districts are easily accessed from U.S. Highway 395, Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 50.

The traditional tourist season is from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Within that time frame, the heaviest use tends to occur during June, July, and August. Although this is typically peak season, significant use occurs outside of this time period, particularly during fishing and hunting season.

For general information on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and the sites included in the prospectus, refer to the forest website https://www.fs.usda.gov/htnf.

C. Description of Developed Recreation Sites and Facilities The description of each developed recreation site included in this prospectus is found in appendix

20 Description of Developed Recreation Sites and Facilities. Please use descriptions in appendix

20 together with the maps of developed sites in appendix 2 and appendix 3, Inventory of

Government-Furnished Property.

D. Government Furnished Property The Forest Service will provide certain property in conjunction with the concession campground special use permit (see appendix 3 of the prospectus). Included in this inventory are a description, the quantity, and the estimated replacement cost of the applicable property.

E. Government Furnished Supplies The Forest Service will not furnish any supplies for day-to-day operation of the concession.

Government-furnished supplies will be limited to those necessary for programmatic consistency, including:

• Forms to report use and revenue (see appendix 5).

• A copy of “Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Visitor Guide” 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 https://www.fs.usda.gov/htnf utilities. These utilities are listed below in Table 4. Additional businesses may be available to provide these services.

Table 4. Utilities

Service Contact

Electric Bridgeport Ranger District

Southern California Edison

3001 Chateau Rd

Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Electric Carson Ranger District

Liberty Utilities

933 Eloise St.

South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

(800) 782-2506

Telephone Carson and Bridgeport Ranger Districts

Frontier

(775) 782-0967

Water Kit Carson Campground

Desolation Hotel Hope Valley

Brandon Crudup, General Manager

14255 CA-88

Hope Valley, CA 96120

(530) 694-2204

Water Markleeville Campground

Markleeville Water Company

P.O. Box 131

Markleeville, CA 96120-0131

(530) 694-2924

Garbage Bridgeport Ranger District

D & S Waste Removal

3 Highway 95A East

Yerington, NV 89447-2810

(775) 463-3090

Garbage Carson Ranger District

Douglas Disposal

1653 N Lucerne Street, Suite A

Minden, NV 89423

(775) 782-5713

Garbage Carson Ranger District

Waste Management of Nevada

1392 E. Commercial Row

Reno, NV 89512

(775) 329-9922

Liquid & Solid Waste Disposal

Bridgeport Ranger District

Sierra Septic Service

P.O. Box 6107

Sparks, NV 89432

Service Contact

Carson Ranger District

Sierra Septic Service

1960 Hymer Ave.

Sparks, NV 89431

Bobula's Septic Services

860 U.S. Hwy 395 N

Gardnerville, NV 89410

Alpine Septic and Pumping

2178 Keetak St.

South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Electrical

The successful applicant will be responsible for electric service at the Crystal Springs

Campground host site and the Crags Campground area manager site, maintenance site and host site.

Telephone

The successful applicant will be responsible for paying for phone services. There is a landline telephone available for one host site at Crags Campground and the Crystal Springs host site.

At some sites cell phones are an option, but coverage is limited or non-existent in some remote locations. Some cell phone companies provide access to satellite connectivity. The successful applicant is expected to obtain adequate cell service, satellite service or radio to provide communications from every site for administrative and safety purposes.

Water

Forest Service water supply systems provide potable water to 14 sites in this offering. There are 5 sites that have no potable water or have Forest Service water supply systems that are currently non-operational. There are three shared water systems, which include Kit Carson Campground, Markleeville Campground, and Trumbull Lake Campground. It is the responsibility of the successful applicant to properly operate and maintain these systems including opening the systems, operating the systems during the season and shutting them down at the end of the season.

See appendix 20 and 21 for specific details on the water systems. Also see appendix 9 and appendix 10: Granger-Thye Operation of Federally Owned Drinking Water Systems (FS-2700-4h, appendix F) for detailed requirements of operating a public water system.

Liquid and Solid Waste Disposal

The successful applicant will be responsible for all costs associated with pumping the toilet vaults at these facilities. Toilets are normally pumped by local service providers.

There are a number of waste-water systems, including toilet vaults and septic holding tanks for host and area manager sites. The permit holder is responsible for operation and maintenance of these vaults and tanks. There are no RV sanitary stations (dump stations) on either District;

however, there are several local sanitary stations available near Bridgeport, Carson City and

Reno.

Trash Service and Recycling

The successful applicant will be responsible for garbage removal at all sites, with the exception of

Obsidian Campground, which is pack in, pack out. Bear proof and animal proof trash receptacles and dumpsters are required. Trash service is currently arranged by the permit holder and provided by local companies. Scheduled service should be planned accordingly.

Recycling is encouraged where possible. Conflicts between recycling and wildlife shall be considered when managing a recycling program. Recycling is available near each District.

II. Forest Service Concession Programs and Policies Government-owned concessions are authorized by special use permits issued under Section 7 of the Granger-Thye (GT) Act, 16 U.S.C. 580d, and implementing regulations at 36 CFR Part 251, Subpart B.

In addition, there are certain Forest Service programs and policies that apply to campground concession. All applications must be consistent with these requirements.

A. Recreation.gov The Humboldt-Toiyabe 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. Recreation.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 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 during peak season. 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.

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 the public and temporary site closures. Submit data updates to

Recreation.gov at least annually.

• Communicate to Recreation.gov any emergency closures or other relevant operational changes as they occur.

• Approve customer refunds as appropriate and process them through Recreation.gov. Refund policies can be found at Recreation.gov (https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies).

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

B. Pass Discounts The permit holder must provide a 50 percent discount on recreation fees charged under REA at developed recreation sites covered by this prospectus to holders of Golden Age and Golden

Access Passports, as well as holders of the Interagency Senior and Access Passes.

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

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

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

Volunteer Pass.

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

The 50 percent recreation fee discount applies to all sites offered in this prospectus, with the exception of Crags Group Campground site and Green Creek Group Campground sites.

C. Camp Stamps Camp stamps must be honored at their face value and submitted to the authorized officer for reimbursement.

D. Site Closure The Forest Service reserves the right to close all or a portion of any area in this prospectus for repair; construction; floods, snow, extreme fire danger, or other natural events; wildlife protection; or risks to public health and safety. The Forest Service shall not be liable to the permit holder for lost revenue, operating costs, or any other losses resulting from these closures.

However, for fee calculation purposes, the permit shall be placed in non-use status as provided by

FSH 2709.11, section 31.23.

Chris Flat Campground sustained significant flood damage several years ago, impacting access and use of a portion of the designated campsites. Currently, sites 1 through 11 remain accessible, while sites 12 through 16 are not, due to road damage and other infrastructure concerns. The

Forest Service acknowledges the need to address these issues and is evaluating potential courses of action including road repairs to restore access, or the potential decommissioning of the affected sites. At this time, the Forest has received funds through disaster relief to make road repairs, though timing is dependent on contracting timelines and a final design. The Forest anticipates awarding a contract in quarter one of fiscal year 2026 and have the work begin in spring of 2026.

Any future actions will align with resource management objectives, public safety considerations, and long-term sustainability of the site. Potential concessionaires should be aware that modifications to site accessibility and infrastructure may occur, which could impact overall site capacity and management requirements.

E. Administrative Use If the Forest Service requires the permit holder to provide a service for the agency, the permit holder will be compensated for that use.

F. Applicable Forest Orders Forest Orders may be issued to address a variety of management concerns on a particular forest.

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

G. Fee Tickets and Compilation of Use and Revenue Data The permit holder must provide fee tickets to visitors that include at least the following information:

• The site number and total amount paid.

• The date of issuance and number of days paid for.

• If a pass is used, the pass number.

• The number of people in the group.

• The number of vehicles and their license plate numbers.

The permit holder must provide use and revenue data to the Forest Service (see appendix 5 of the prospectus for a sample use report). Use reports must be completed monthly and at the end of the operating season for each developed recreation site, provided that when the holder performs GT fee offset work in lieu of paying the land use fee in cash, use reports may be submitted quarterly, rather than monthly. At a minimum, monthly and year-end use reports must include:

• The total number of units occupied based on daily counts.

• The total number of people based on daily counts.

• The percentage of occupancy by month.

• Total recreation fee revenue.

• Total fee revenue for other goods and services.

• The total number of Camp Stamps collected.

• The total number of passes used.

In addition, year-end use reports must include:

• Total fee revenue collected under the NRRS.

• Total taxes paid.

• Total gross revenue.

• Total net revenue.

H. Customer Service Comment Cards The permit holder must provide a customer service comment card to visitors at each developed recreation site (see appendix 6 of the prospectus).

I. Performance Evaluations At a minimum, the Forest Service will perform a year-end performance evaluation within four months of the close of the operating season (see appendix 7 of the prospectus). An unsatisfactory rating may be cause for suspension or revocation of the special use permit. Sustained satisfactory performance is required for a permit extension.

J. Accessibility The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 require new or altered facilities to be accessible, with few exceptions. In 2004, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) issued revised accessibility guidelines for buildings and facilities subject to the ABA and the Americans with Disabilities Act

(ADA). These new guidelines are called the ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines. In 2006, the

Forest Service issued the Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG).

The FSORAG addresses types of recreational facilities, including developed recreation sites that are not covered by ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines.

Any Government maintenance, reconditioning, renovation, or improvement (see section III.C) must meet ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines, where applicable, as well as the FSORAG.

The FSORAG and the ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines are posted on the Forest Service’s website at (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recreation/programs/accessibility/). Questions regarding

ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines may be referred to the Access Board at www.access-board.gov. Questions regarding the FSORAG may be referred to the accessibility coordinator for the local National Forest.

The permit holder is responsible for ensuring effective communication with visitors with disabilities, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, so that all visitors may obtain information on accessible services, activities, and facilities.

K. Camping Unit Capacity Number of Vehicles Per Camping Unit

A single-family camping unit may accommodate one vehicle. A “vehicle” is defined as any motorized conveyance, except that for purposes of vehicular capacity, two motorcycles are considered one vehicle. Additional vehicles may be allowed at a camping unit, if the camping unit can safely accommodate them. When extra vehicles are allowed, an extra fee of up to 50 percent of the camping unit fee may be charged for each extra vehicle. If an extra vehicle exceeds the camping unit capacity (i.e., the extra vehicle causes a safety hazard or resource damage), the customer may be required to pay for an additional camping unit or park in an overflow parking area, if available. One towed vehicle per single camping unit will be allowed for no extra charge if it can be parked completely on the surfaced area and does not create a safety hazard. Examples of towed vehicles include a boat trailer or a car towed by a motor home.

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

Group Site Capacity

Table 6. Group Site Capacity

Facility / Site Name People Vehicles

Crags Group Campground 45 10

Green Creek Group Campground Site 1 50 5

Green Creek Group Campground Site 2 25 5

L. Stay Limit Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited within the National Forest System (NFS) lands, areas, roads and trails on the

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest (see appendix 4).

1. Camping or possessing camping equipment in excess of fourteen (14) days in any thirty (30) day consecutive period. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a).

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, noncommercial vehicle over any national parkway or any road or highway in the Federal-aid System that is commonly used by the public as a means of travel between two places, either or both of which are outside an area in which recreation fees are charged.

• Travel by private, noncommercial vehicle, boat, or aircraft over any road, highway, waterway, or airway to any land in which the person traveling has a property right, if the land is in an area in which recreation fees are charged.

• Any person who has a right of access for hunting or fishing privileges under a specific provision of law or treaty.

• Any person who is engaged in the conduct of official federal, state, tribal, or local government business.

• Special attention or extra services necessary to meet the needs of the disabled.

N. Law Enforcement Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2342.1, Exhibit 01, addresses the law enforcement authorities and responsibilities of concessionaires, state and local law enforcement agencies, and the Forest

Service at concession campgrounds. See appendix 8 of the prospectus.

O. Other Pertinent Information Wildlife Mitigation

The use of bear-proof dumpsters and bear-proof food storage containers, or counter balance measures, such as keeping food in a closed hard-sided vehicle, or properly hanging food is required for concessionaires and visitors on the Bridgeport and Carson Ranger Districts.

Endangered Species

The Forest Service must be notified prior to cutting any 5-needle pine species so a determination can be made on proper steps for removal.

Archaeological Resources

Any ground disturbing activity will need to be reviewed and approved by the Forest Heritage

Program Leader as well as the State Historic Preservation Office prior to initiating activity.

Actions Requiring NEPA Review

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) applies to a broad range of actions that may occur in a campground or day use area, including construction activities, facility and road maintenance, ground disturbance, and vegetation management activities. These activities cannot proceed until the Forest Service has completed the required environmental review and approves the action or activity to take place. The Forest Service will expedite the environmental review process to the best of its ability however cannot be responsible for any loss of revenue due to delays resulting from the environmental review process required by law.

Condition of Trees

Insect Infested Trees

For the past several years, there has been an increase in insect activity within the campgrounds.

Some sites have been treated periodically with Carbaryl and pheromone packets have been placed on trees to reduce mountain pine beetle infestations. This treatment may continue, in the spring or fall each year. The spraying contract is the responsibility of the Forest Service. The removal of infested trees is also an important aspect of the treatment program. The regional entomologist conducts periodic site visits and recommends treatment. It is recommended that the prospective applicant be trained in hazard tree identification and tree removal techniques, or hire a qualified and licensed tree removal service.

Hazard Tree Removal

The permit holder will have to conduct pre-season inspection of the campgrounds 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 the 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 butane or propane.

Outfitter Guide RV Rental

Currently, there is an outfitter-guide special use permit issued on the Bridgeport Ranger District that provides an RV trailer rental service to campers. This service is provided primarily on the

Bridgeport Ranger District. As part of this service, the trailer rental company sets up, pumps, and removes the trailer from the reserved campsite. These rental trailers are the only trailers that are authorized to be pumped by the trailer rental company. The trailer rental company will coordinate with the successful applicant on trailer placement, pumping and timely removal of the trailer. This permitted use will continue to occur with the selection of the successful applicant.

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 sites in accordance with the special use permit.

In general vehicle maintenance, including oil changes, will not be performed at recreation sites.

Minor vehicle maintenance such as changing a headlight may be performed on site.

Holder-Furnished Vehicles

The permit holder may not use all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, or motor bicycles in the campgrounds. 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 $500,000 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).

Self-Guided Facility Tour

A self-guided facility tour was offered between July and September 2025. Interested parties were encouraged to visit key sites during this timeframe. A pre-solicitation notice was sent on July 1, 2025 providing a self-guided facility tour itinerary and additional area information. A virtual question and answer session was provided by the Forest on October 22, 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 7. Application submittals

Addressee Title Attention Address

Jon Stansfield Forest Supervisor Christopher Eddy Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

1200 Franklin Way

Sparks, NV 89431

Applications must be received by close of business 4:30 p.m. on March 2, 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 Chris Eddy at 775-431-7660 and christopher.eddy@usda.gov regarding any questions related to this prospectus. The deadline to submit questions regarding the prospectus is February 2, 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.

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).

• 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 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 Minimum Content of the Proposed Annual Operating Plan in appendix 9 of the prospectus.

Operating Season

Minimum operating seasons are outlined in appendix 20.

Applicants need to propose the period in which they will operate the sites listed in the prospectus.

All sites must be open and operational seven days per week during the minimum operating season, unless a Forest Service closure order is in effect.

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 9 of the prospectus. Applicants should address worker hours and schedules.