SZFinalMONONGAHELA_Prospectus.pdf

USDA Forest Service FS-2700-34 (REV-02/2017)

OMB No. 0596-0082

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Use Code 141

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions

Monongahela National Forest

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

Solicitation Issued: July 2025

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

Table of Contents

I. Business Opportunity

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

II. Forest Service Concession Program and Policies

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

III. Special Use Permit

A. Permit Term B. Permit Holder Responsibilities C. Granger-Thye Fee Offset Agreement D. Insurance E. Bonding

IV. Application

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

V. Post-Selection Requirements

Appendices

Appendix 1: Vicinity and Area Maps Appendix 2: Maps of Developed Recreation Sites Appendix 3: Inventory of Government-Furnished Property Appendix 4: Applicable Forest Orders Appendix 5: Sample Use Report Appendix 6: Sample Customer Service Comment Card Appendix 7: Standard Performance Evaluation Form Appendix 8: FSM 2342.1, Exhibit 01, Law Enforcement at Concession

Campgrounds Appendix 9: Minimum Content of the Proposed Annual Operating Plan Appendix 10: FS-2700-4h, Special-Use Permit for Campground and Related

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

Appendix 11: FS-2700-4h, Appendix B, 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 Certification Appendix 15: Sample Collection Agreement for Granger-Thye Fee Offset Work Appendix 16: Sample Business Plan Appendix 17: FS-6500-24, Financial Statement Appendix 18: FS-6500-25, Request for Verification

VI. Optional Appendices

Appendix 19: National Quality Standards for Recreation Site Management

(formerly Meaningful Measures) Appendix 20: Repairing and Disinfecting Waterlines Appendix 21: Graffiti Removal Protocols

VII. Pertinent Materials (Available Upon Request)

“Cleaning Recreation Sites” (USDA-Forest Service)

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

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I. Business Opportunity

A. Introduction

This prospectus is being issued to solicit applications for a concession campground special use permit. A permit or permits to provide high-quality public service in the operation and maintenance of Government-owned recreation facilities located on the Marlinton-White Sulphur Ranger District, Monongahela National Forest, will be issued. The permit or permits will include the following developed sites:

Lake Sherwood Campground and Recreation Area Blue Bend Campground and Large Picnic Shelter Area Blue Meadow Group Campground Hopkins Mountain Fireman’s Patrol Cabin Pocahontas Campground

The authorized officer for this business opportunity is the Forest Supervisor for the Monongahela National Forest, 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, WV, 26241.

There is not currently a permit for this concession. The sites have been previously operated by USDA Forest Service staff. Over the past three years, these sites have generated the following gross revenues:

Year Gross Revenue

2022 $125,244 2023 $134,027 2024 $130,158

B. Area Description

The Marlinton-White Sulphur Ranger District is in the southern portion of the Monongahela National Forest. The Monongahela National Forest provides year-round recreational opportunities due to the area's topography and diverse range of ecosystems. The major season of use for these recreation areas is from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Recreation activities in the area include camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, driving for pleasure, swimming, and boating.

The Marlinton-White Sulphur Ranger District is easily accessible and less than half a day’s drive from the populations of Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, Richmond, VA, Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Charleston, WV. Most visitors come from within a 2 - 3 hour driving radius.

• Lake Sherwood Recreation Area is located 25 miles from White Sulphur Springs, WV via

State Route 92 and State Route 14.

• Blue Bend Campground and Blue Meadow Group Campground are both located 12 miles from White Sulphur Springs, WV via State Route 92 and County Route 16.

• Hopkins Mountain Fireman’s Patrol Cabin is located 16 miles from White Sulphur Springs, WV via State Route 92 and Forest Road 139.

• Pocahontas Campground is located 14 miles from Marlinton, WV via State Route 39/92

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(see reference Appendix 1 of the prospectus).

C. Description of Developed Recreation Sites and Facilities

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

Lake Sherwood Recreation Area and Campground

Lake Sherwood Campground is comprised of 96 standard non-electric camping units and 1 electric service campsite with fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables, and gravel spurs and well as a group camp area that can accommodate 50 people. In addition, there are six developed host sites equipped with electric and water, and three with electric, water and sewage hookups as well as an outdoor amphitheater that features lighting, sound equipment, and seating. Parts of the campground and facilities within it are ABA accessible (See Section J. Accessibility;

Architectural Barriers Act).

The campground contains 3- single-unit vault toilets, 1- four unit flush toilet, 1- two unit flush toilet, 1- four unit flush toilet with four showers, and 3-four unit flush toilet buildings with four showers each, some of which are ABA accessible. The holder is responsible for daily cleaning, stocking of toilet tissue, and repair of above ground plumbing fixtures of these buildings. The holder is responsible for pumping all vault toilets within the permit area.

Lake Sherwood Campground also contains a group campground that will accommodate up to 50 people. The campground contains fire rings, picnic tables, lantern posts, and a one-unit vault toilet (which is included in the restroom facility count above). There is a water spigot in the group camp area. The group campground is not ABA accessible. There are approximately 2 acres of lawn in the campground areas that must be mowed and trimmed.

The day-use areas at Lake Sherwood Recreation Area are divided between the picnic area/trailhead, boat launch/beach area, and check in station.

The picnic area contains one reservable picnic shelter. The picnic shelter has electricity and can accommodate 75 people. There is a four unit flush toilet near the picnic shelter. The picnic area also contains 30 separate paved vehicle parking spaces. There is a 0.5 acre field that includes a volleyball net, approximately 15 picnic tables, approximately 10 pedestal grills, and 5 drinking fountains.

The trailhead includes paved parking spaces for 10 vehicles, an informational kiosk, and a drinking fountain.

The boat ramp/beach area includes two sandy beaches, 75 separate paved vehicle parking areas, boat ramp and courtesy dock, one single unit vault toilet, one nine unit flush toilet with nine showers. There are approximately 2 acres of lawn in the boat ramp/beach area that must be mowed and trimmed. Holder will be responsible for all grounds maintenance of the site and facilities.

The boat ramp/beach area also includes a boat rental area with an office/storefront, boat storage racks, shaded bench area, and seawall for mooring boats. The boat rental area is currently under permit with a private entity and is not included in the opportunity.

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The check in station includes a 288 square foot check in station, a single unit vault toilet, informational kiosk, self- service pay station, and paved parking to accommodate 5 passenger vehicles and 2 pull through spaces for large recreational vehicles.

There is an amphitheater located near the group campground. The amphitheater includes a covered stage, seating for approximately 75 people, electricity, a campfire area, and AV equipment for delivering programs. The permit holder is required to provide an interpretive program, no less than one time per month at Lake Sherwood on Saturday evenings from Memorial Day Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend. Interpretive programs shall enhance the visitor experience and increase visitor understanding of the National Forest. Programs shall focus on natural resource messages rather than general entertainment. Interpretive services can take the form of campfire programs, lectures, movies, guided walks, as well as music that celebrates local heritage.

There are currently six trash dumpsters located in three of four loops of the campground for garbage collection and disposal. These dumpsters are not FS owned. The holder is responsible for contacting the contractor to arrange setting up a billing and service schedule. Other areas have bear resistant trash bins.

Water and Wastewater Systems There is one treated well that serves the campground and day use area. The permit holder is required to operate the water system and be in compliance with applicable federal, state and local drinking water laws and regulations for operation and maintenance of a public water system.

It is the responsibility of the permit holder to ensure that the water system is turned on and functioning properly prior to opening the sites and properly shut down at the end of each season of use. If the water systems sustain damage from being improperly shut down or turned on, the Permit Holder will be responsible for all costs associated with their repair. The permit holder is required to become knowledgeable about the water system so he/she can be prepared to service and maintain the system.

The permit holder may request the Forest Service complete this work under the terms of a collection agreement. Work done under a collection agreement would only include winterizing water systems.

There is one recreation vehicle dump station in Lake Sherwood Campground located at the entrance of the recreation area. The dump station is connected to a sewage line that enters into the onsite wastewater plant. Holder is responsible for daily operations and maintenance of the dump station and wastewater plant.

There is a wastewater treatment facility (Polishing Ponds, UV Light Treatment, and Sprinkler field) located within the campground. Holder is responsible for daily operations, maintenance, and state required testing and monitoring of this facility.

The permit holder is required to become knowledgeable about the wastewater systems so he/she can be prepared to service and maintain them.

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The permit holder may request the Forest Service conduct this work under the terms of a collection agreement. Work done under a collection agreement would only include winterizing water and wastewater systems.

Warehouse and Residence The recreation area also contains a maintenance area and residence. The successful applicant will have the option to use the maintenance building and other associated outbuildings for storage of equipment and supplies with the exception of a shipping container which the Forest Service will retain use of for storage of government owned equipment. The successful applicant will have the option to utilize the Lake Sherwood Residence/Bunkhouse for office space and employee housing under separate permit (See Appendix 3). The residence is a 1,620 square foot three-bedroom ranch style house with carport and outside storage closet. The house has a window unit air conditioning and a heat pump furnace.

The Lake Sherwood warehouse available in this offer within the maintenance area includes a 1,472 square foot warehouse and three small storage sheds (See Appendix 3). The warehouse has electric and a propane heater.

There is approximately 0.5 acre of lawn combined in the warehouse and residence area that must be mowed and trimmed.

There is an 0.03 acre area reserved behind the warehouse which the boat rental permit holder is authorized to use for storage space for firewood and off-season boat storage. Therefore, this area will not be available for use by the successful applicant.

Operating Season The average operation and maintenance season for Lake Sherwood Recreation Area and Campground is from approximately April 15th through Oct 31st. Lake Sherwood Campground has 4 individual camping loops. The Forest Service has historically opened the West Shore Loop in mid-April and the other three loops in mid-May. West Shore has historically closed on October 31 while the other three loops have closed the day after Labor Day. At a minimum, the Forest Service (FS) will require the permit Holder to fully operate the West Shore Loop from the second Friday night in April through the last Saturday night in October and Pine Run, Meadow Creek, and Cales Knoll loops from the third Saturday in May to the day after Labor Day.

Peak visitation at Lake Sherwood is usually in July and the campground has been at near 100% occupancy throughout the month. Moderate to high visitation is experienced from May through June and again in August. The shoulder seasons of April, September, and October range between 10%-20% occupancy.

Blue Bend Campground and Recreation Area

Blue Bend Campground and Recreation Area is comprised of a family campground, group campground (Blue Meadow), and day use area. The family campground, group campground, and large reservable shelter area within the day use area are included in the offering.

Blue Bend Campground is comprised of 18 standard non-electric camping units, one campsite with electric hookups, and one double camping unit with electric hookups. Each site is equipped with fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables, and gravel spurs. In addition, there is one developed host site equipped with electrical, water, and sewage hookups.

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The campground contains one six unit- flush toilet restroom with four showers. The holder is responsible for daily cleaning, stocking of toilet tissue, and repair of above ground plumbing fixtures of these buildings.

The holder would be responsible for operating and maintaining two trash dumpsters located in Blue Bend Campground for garbage collection and disposal and 2-double unit bear resistant trash receptacles in the picnic shelter area. The dumpsters are not FS owned. The holder is responsible for contacting the contractor to arrange setting up a billing and service schedule.

The day-use areas at Blue Bend Recreation Area are divided between the picnic area and beach area. The following areas are included in the opportunity to operate a concession. The picnic area contains one reservable picnic shelter. The reservable picnic shelter has electricity and can accommodate 75 people. There is also a playground adjacent to the picnic shelter. The picnic area also contains a gravel parking area that can accommodate approximately 6 vehicles. There are 2- double unit bear resistant trash bins and 2-group size pedestal grills located near the shelter that would be included in permit for the holder to maintain. There is approximately 0.5 acre of lawn that is to be mowed and trimmed. Holder is responsible for all grounds maintenance of the site and facilities.

The following day use facilities are not included in the offering and will continue to be operated by the Forest Service. For awareness, a description of these day use area facilities are described below:

One non-reservable picnic shelter, a wooded picnic area that has multiple picnic tables, multiple pedestal grills, two double-unit vault toilets, drinking fountains, and spigots.

The beach area includes two flagstone beaches, gravel vehicle parking areas, with space for approximately 50 vehicles. The Forest Service will remain responsible for maintaining these sites.

Storage Area There is a small, gated, maintenance yard with a shed located at the site for administrative use and storage and is available for use by the holder. The successful applicant will have the option to use these facilities.

Water and Wastewater Systems There is one treated well that serves the campground and day use area and one untreated hand pump that serves the campground. The permit holder is required to operate these water systems and to be in compliance with applicable federal, state and local drinking water laws and regulations for operation and maintenance of a public water system.

There is a wastewater treatment facility (Recirculating Sand Filter) located within the campground. Holder is responsible for daily operations and maintenance of this facility as well as state required testing and monitoring.

The permit holder is required to become knowledgeable about the water and wastewater systems so he/she can be prepared to service and maintain them.

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The permit holder may request the Forest Service conduct this work under the terms of a collection agreement. Work done under a collection agreement would only include winterizing water and wastewater systems.

Operating Season The average operation and maintenance season for Blue Bend Recreation Area and Campground has been from approximately April 10 through November 30. At a minimum, the Forest Service (FS) will expect the permit Holder to fully operate the campground from the second Friday night in April through the last Saturday night of the Veteran’s Day Weekend in November.

Peak visitation at Blue Bend is usually in May and June. The campground is at near 100% occupancy throughout the month. Moderate to high visitation is experienced in July and August.

The shoulder seasons of April, September, and October range between 10%-20% occupancy.

Reservable picnic shelter at Blue Bend

Blue Meadow Group Campground

Blue Meadow Group Campground is a reservable group campground that can be reserved by one party. The area includes twelve individual non-electric campsites and one single unit electric campsite that each are equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. The site is serviced by a double-toilet vault restroom. The group campground is not ABA accessible. The holder is responsible for daily cleaning of the vault toilet as well as pumping of the vault.

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There are three double unit bear resistant trash receptacles located at Blue Meadow Group Campground. Trash would be collected from these bins and deposited into the dumpsters at Blue Bend Recreation Area.

There is approximately 0.5 acre of lawn that is to be mowed and trimmed. Holder is responsible for all grounds maintenance of the site and facilities.

The average operation and maintenance season for Blue Meadow Group Campground has been from late-May to early-October. At a minimum, the Forest Service (FS) will expect the permit Holder to fully operate the campground from the third Friday night in May through the Columbus Day weekend in October.

Peak visitation at Blue Meadow is typically in July. The campground has been at near 80% occupancy throughout the month.

Hopkins Mountain Fireman’s Patrol Cabin Hopkins Mountain Fireman’s Patrol Cabin is a historic cabin listed on the National Register of Historic Places that was recently fully renovated. The cabin has two twin single beds, each with mattresses, a small table, 2 chairs, storage cupboard, dorm size refrigerator, electric heat, and interior and exterior lighting. There is a tent pad located on site that can accommodate approximately 8 people. The group size is limited to 10. A vault toilet is located at the cabin site.

Two picnic tables are provided along with a lantern post, fire ring, firewood shed, and sawbuck.

There is no water available on the site but drinking water, flush toilets, and showers can be obtained at Blue Bend Recreation Area from May to October.

There is one double unit bear resistant trash bin located on site. Trash would be collected from this bin and deposited into the dumpsters at Blue Bend Recreation Area.

Similar to all the other sites listed in this prospectus, the permit holder will be responsible for all daily operation and maintenance of the cabin, check-in/check-out, as well as repair and replacement of consumables within the cabin, daily cleaning of the vault toilet, and pumping of the vault. Due to the cabin being on the National Register of Historic Places, any proposed alterations/repairs to the cabin and the adjacent landscaping by the permit holder must be reviewed and approved by the Forest Supervisor in conjunction with consultation with the Forest Service Archaeologist and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) prior to implementation. Applicants must consider the cost of cabin maintenance, upkeep, and cleaning as part of their business operations when calculating operating costs. Applicants must include a proposed nightly fee for the cabin within the fee structure portion of the application.

There is approximately 0.10 acre of lawn that is to be mowed and trimmed. Holder is responsible for all grounds maintenance of the site and facilities.

The average operation and maintenance season for Hopkins Mountain Fire Patrol Cabin has been approximately from mid-April through November. At a minimum, the Forest Service (FS) will expect the permit Holder to fully operate the recreation area from the third Friday night in April through the Veteran’s Day weekend in November. Peak visitation at the cabin is in the May to September timeframe. The cabin has been at approximately 80% occupancy throughout this period. Visitation also increases during fall hunting seasons until close.

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View from Hopkins Mountain

Pocahontas Campground

Pocahontas Campground is comprised of 8 standard non-electric camping units. Each site is equipped with fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables, and gravel spurs.

The campground contains one single unit-toilet vault. Holder will be responsible for daily cleaning of the vault toilet as well as pumping. There are 2 bear resistant trash receptacles. Trash is collected from these bins and deposited at the Lake Sherwood dumpsters.

There is approximately 0.10 acre of lawn that is to be mowed and trimmed. Holder is responsible for all grounds maintenance of the site and facilities

The average operation and maintenance season for Pocahontas Campground has been approximately from mid-April through November. At a minimum, the Forest Service (FS) will expect the permit Holder to fully operate the recreation area from the third Friday night in April through the Columbus Day weekend in October. Pocahontas Campground is often used as an overflow campground when other campgrounds in the area are full. Fall hunting seasons see increased use as well and the campground is often full during the opening week of deer rifle season.

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Characteristics of Developed Recreation Sites

Table 1: Lake Sherwood Recreation Area and Campground, Features & Facilities

Recreation Site Lake Sherwood Recreation Area and Campground

Communications Emergency calls can be taken at Lake Sherwood check in station.

Holder provides landline telephone use for hosts. Holder is responsible for maintenance of landline. See section F of this document. Cell service is not currently available at the site.

Utilities Water, Electricity (at host site) and sewage Drinking Water Well water- Treated on site. Permit Holder is responsible for operation and maintenance Toilet/Shower Type Current: 6- single toilet vault restrooms, 1- five unit flush toilet, 1-four unit flush toilet, 1- two unit flush toilet, 1-nine unit flush toilet building with nine showers, 1- four unit flush toilet with four showers, and 3 four unit flush toilet buildings with four showers each, some of which are accessible.

Toilet Vault Capacity Approx 1,000 gals.

FS Trash Bins Yes- 20 bear-resistant trash bins with 30 gallon liners that are deposited in campground dumpsters.

Trash Bin Type 6-Standard Commercial Dumpsters. These are owned by a private contractor.

Accessible Campground- Some sites Group Campground- No

Elevation 2,700 ft.

Number of Units Campground- 106 (including host site)

Group Campground- 50 person capacity 2025 Fee per Unit Single Sites- non-electric $16.00-$24.00, Double Sites- $40.00; single site electric $30 Group Campground- $100.00

2025 Day Use Fees Daily Pass/Vehicle- $5.00 Annual Pass/Vehicle- $30.00 Picnic Shelter-$50

Operating Season Minimum

Second Friday night in April through the last Saturday night in October

Revenue Annual Average (2022 - 2024)*

$79,739

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Table 2: Blue Bend Campground and Day Use Area , Features & Facilities

Recreation Site Blue Bend Recreation Area and Campground

Communications at the site

Emergency calls can be taken at campground host site and large picnic shelter. Holder is responsible for maintenance of landline. See section F of this document. . Cell service is not currently available at the site.

Utilities at the site Water, Electricity, and Sewage

Potable Water Well water- Treated on site. Permit Holder is responsible for operation and maintenance.

Toilet/Shower Type 1- six unit flush toilet with four shower units.

FS Trash Bins Yes- 2-double unit bear-resistant bins with 30 gallon liners that are deposited in campground dumpsters.

Trash Bin Type Two Standard Commercial Dumpsters. These are owned by a private contractor.

Accessible Campground- Some sites Elevation 2,000 ft.

Number of Units Campground- 21 (including host site) 2025 Fee per Unit Single Non-Electric Sites- $16.00, Single Electric Site-$20, Double

Electric Site- $40.00 Picnic Shelter-$25

Second Friday night in April through the last Saturday night in

Revenue Annual Average (2023-2024)*

Average: $19,253

Table 3: Blue Meadow Group Campground, Features & Facilities

Recreation Site Blue Meadow Group Campground site

No on-site communications. There is landline service nearby at Blue Bend Recreation Area.

Utilities at the site Electric at campsite #2 Potable Water None Toilet/Shower Type One double-unit toilet vault restrooms Toilet Vault Capacity

Approx 1,000 gals.

FS Trash Bins Yes - 3- double unit bear-resistant bins Trash Bin Type FS owned bear-resistant trash cans with 30 gallon liners Accessible Group Campground- Campsites are not accessible

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Elevation 2,000 ft.

Number of Units 13 single unit campsites

2025 Fee per Unit $75

Third Friday night in May through the Columbus Day weekend in

Average: $2,510

Table 4: Hopkins Mountain Fireman’s Patrol Cabin Facilities & Features

Recreation Site

Hopkins Mountain Fireman’s Patrol Cabin

Cellular reception from multiple carriers.

Utilities at the site Electricity Potable Water Water available at Blue Bend Recreation Area, 4 miles from the cabin Toilet/Shower Type 1- single unit vault toilet Toilet Vault Capacity

Approx 1,000 gals.

FS Trash Bins One double unit bear-resistant trash receptacle Trash Bin Type 30-gallon individual can liners

Accessible

Campsite - yes. Historic cabin - no

Elevation 3,300 ft.

Number of Units

1 Cabin and 1 Campsite with 2 picnic tables, fire ring, and lantern post.

2025 Fee per Unit

$75 per night

Third Friday night in April through the Veteran’s Day weekend in November.

Average: $8,825

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Table 5: Pocahontas Campground Facilities & Features

Recreation Site

Pocahontas Campground

No landline. Cell service is not reliable at the site.

Utilities at the site None Potable Water None- there is a hand pump at site that has been out of service since

2021. It could be brought back into service if holder desires.

Toilet/Shower Type 1- single unit vault toilet Toilet Vault Capacity

Approx 1,000 gals.

FS Trash Bins Two double unit bear-resistant trash receptacle Trash Bin Type Standard 30 gallon can liner

Accessible

No

Elevation 2,200 ft.

Number of Units

2025 Fee per Unit

$8 per night

Third Friday night in April through the Columbus Day weekend in

Average: $2,000

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.

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• A copy of the Forest Service publications (upon request), “Cleaning Recreation Sites,” “In-Depth Design and Maintenance Manual for Vault Toilets,” and “Vault Toilet Pumping Contract Specifications and Guidelines for Preparing Contracts.”

• A copy of “Recreation Opportunity Guides,” (upon request) which the holder may reproduce at its expense.

• Title VI signs.

F. Utilities and Waste Management

Certain utilities and infrastructure exist for the developed recreation sites identified in this prospectus. The permit holder will be responsible for securing, managing, and paying for these utilities. Applicants should contact current service providers to obtain estimated costs for the utilities. These utilities include:

• Electrical: Mon Power/First Energy has provided electrical service to Lake Sherwood, Blue Bend, Blue Meadow, and Hopkins Mountain Fireman’s Patrol Cabin. The FS will require the permit Holder to notify Mon Power/First Energy that the permit Holder is to be listed as the user and billed for electrical service.

• Propane: Southern States of Marlinton WV has provided propane for the 5 propane tanks that heat water at toilet/shower buildings and provide heat to the warehouse at Lake Sherwood Campground and Recreation Area.

• Telephone: Frontier Telecommunications provides landline telephone services for Lake

Sherwood and Blue Bend. Permit Holder will be responsible for notifying the service provider at each recreation facility to be listed as the user and billed for telephone services. Cellular service from multiple carriers is also obtainable at Hopkins Mountain Fireman’s Patrol Cabin. There are no telephone services at Pocahontas Campground or Blue Meadow Group Campground. There is minimal cellular service from various carriers within a short driving distance of each of these facilities, but it is not considered reliable.

• Water: Water is provided via drilled wells at Lake Sherwood and Blue Bend and is treated on site. The permit Holder is responsible for all testing and treatment of the water distribution systems at these locations.

• Garbage: The permit Holder shall provide garbage removal services. The dumpsters listed in the permit are not owned by the Forest Service. The holder is responsible for contacting the current solid waste disposal service, Allegheny Disposal, to update billing procedures or select another provider for solid waste disposal services. Bear-resistant dumpsters are required.

• Liquid Waste Disposal: The permit Holder is responsible for pumping all vault toilets, dump stations, and maintenance of all sand filters and treatment ponds, uv lights, and irrigation fields.

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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 Monongahela 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.

Griffin Schireman telephone: 541-910-1705 email: griffin.schireman@usda.gov

Recreation.gov is the only authorized reservation system for Forest Service-developed recreation sites, including but not limited to campgrounds, cabins, and group use areas. Applicants may recommend adding sites to or deleting sites from Recreation.gov or changing the number of sites that may be reserved, the minimum number of days per reservation, or the location of sites that may be reserved. The permit holder also may make these recommendations during the term of the permit. The authorized officer will decide whether to accept or reject the recommendations.

Under Recreation.gov, the following guidelines must be followed, unless there are compelling operational reasons:

1. For each developed recreation site included in Recreation.gov, at least 60 percent of the units must be available for reservations. The rest of the units may be occupied on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Reservation windows vary by type of site and are as follows:

Individual campsites: from 6 months to 0-4 days prior to arrival date, depending on location.

Group use areas: from 12 months to 0- 4 days prior to arrival date, depending on location.

Cabins: from 180 to 0-4 days prior to arrival date, depending on location

2. When Recreation.gov is utilized, the permit holder is responsible for on-site administration and will be required to:

mailto:griffin.schireman@usda.gov

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• 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.

o Golden Age or Golden Access Passport.

o America the Beautiful–The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior

Pass or Access Pass.

o 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 https://support.recreation.gov/.

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

B. Pass Discounts

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

Specifically, holders of these passes are entitled to a 50 percent discount on the fee for a single campsite occupied by the pass holders. The pass holders are not entitled to a discount on the fee for a multiple-family campsite, cabin, or group use area or any additional campsites occupied by https://support.recreation.gov/

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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:

• Lake Sherwood Campground (not group site)

• Blue Bend Campground

• Pocahontas 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.

• Lake Sherwood Recreation Area

• Blue Bend Recreation Area

C. Camp Stamps

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

D. Site Closure

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

However, for fee calculation purposes, the permit shall be placed in non-use status as provided by FSH 2709.11, section 31.23.

E. Administrative Use

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

F. Applicable Forest Orders

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

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

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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

Previous edition obsolete 21 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 http://www.fs.fed.us/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.

Group Site Capacity

The capacity established for group sites is as follows:

• Lake Sherwood Group Campground will accommodate: 50 people and 15 vehicles.

• Blue Meadow Group Campground will accommodate: 100 people and 30 vehicles.

Day Use Site Capacity

Lake Sherwood Day Use Area (located within Lake Sherwood Recreation Area) will accommodate up to approximately 500 people and 100 vehicles at one time. This is including the 75 people at the (Large Picnic Shelter).

http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/accessibility

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Blue Bend Day Use Area (located within Blue Bend Recreation Area) will accommodate up to approximately 200 people and 50 vehicles at one time. This is including the 75 people at the (Large Picnic Shelter), and 25 people at the small, non-reservable picnic shelter. Holder is only responsible for operations and maintenance of the large picnic shelter area.

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, 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.

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• 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

Butane and Propane Installations: For safety and regulatory reasons, the permit Holder is not allowed to install and/or store bulk butane or propane for resale purposes.

Employee Housing

The residence at Lake Sherwood is a 1,620 square foot three-bedroom ranch style house with carport and outside storage closet. The house has a window unit air conditioning and a heat pump furnace. The permittee can use this housing for its employees and/or operations under separate permit which includes a land use fee separate from the fee for the concession campground permit.

Resource Concerns

In general, the soils on which the campgrounds are located are soft and susceptible to rutting/damage for the majority of the year. The holder will be responsible for informing the public to park and drive vehicles on hardened surfaces only. (only mowing once the ground has dried enough to not create large ruts, etc.).

Wildlife Mitigation

When obtaining dumpsters from the contract companies, animal resistant dumpsters and trash cans are required due to the high population of Canada geese, black bear, raccoon, opossum, and other local foraging species present. Holder is responsible for any mitigation measures needed to ensure that wildlife do not become a nuisance in the recreation areas or campgrounds. Pests including paper wasps, bald-faced hornets, eastern yellow jackets, carpenter bees, ants, termites, and roaches, must be managed to reduce potential safety and health concerns to the public.

Endangered Species

Currently, there are no federally listed species known to occur in any of the campgrounds or other sites within this prospectus, but they may occur within the vicinity. The permit holder will be required to work with the Forest Service to inform the public about any endangered species discovered in or around the campgrounds or recreation areas, and the protection of its habitat (see Appendix 9 of the prospectus).

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Archaeological Resources

Historic and archaeological sites have been identified in and around several of the campgrounds and recreation areas. These historic and archaeological sites are less than an acre in size and generally do not impact the camping units. The Forest Service will provide a site map or description of the area in writing to the permit holder so that the holder can protect these sites from disturbance. The permit holder will have to coordinate any projects within the historic or archaeological sites with the Forest Service before any work is started. The permit holder must notify Forest Service law enforcement personnel immediately of any unauthorized disturbance of the site(s).

Condition of Trees

The trees within the campgrounds and recreation areas range from saplings and young understory growth, all the way up to larger mature timber. During the past few years, some of the trees have experienced heavy damage from wind, snow, and other weather events. Large trees, which look healthy on the exterior, may contain rotten cores and can drop a heavy limb, or fall altogether, without any warning.

Hazard Tree Removal

The permit holder will have to conduct preseason inspection of the campgrounds to identify…