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

The USDA Forest Service is soliciting applications through a prospectus for a Granger-Thye special use permit to operate the Mondeaux Dam Lodge, Day Use Area, and recreation rental services on the Medford/Park Falls District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, with applications due December 11, 2026. No set-aside is used. The permit covers a restaurant, a swimming beach and picnic grounds, and non-motorized watercraft and small motorized boat rentals at a site with a 2,000 square foot lodge with commercial kitchen, a two-car garage, and 1.5 acres of grounds. Average gross revenue is $170,179, and the minimum annual fee to the Government is $9,343. Applicants propose fees as a percentage of adjusted gross revenue. The permit term is up to 5 years, with an optional 5-year extension based on satisfactory performance. The minimum operating season runs from the Thursday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, five days per week. Applicants must submit an annual operating plan, a business plan, financial statements, proof of 25 percent liquid assets for first-year operating costs, three business references, and documentation of $300,000 minimum liability insurance naming the United States as additional insured. Financial statement form FS-6500-24 and bank verification form FS-6500-25 are included. Applications require a $100 processing fee and one hard copy plus one electronic copy on flash drive, delivered to Steve Kuennen, Acting Forest Supervisor, at 500 Hanson Lake Road, Rhinelander, WI 54501, or emailed to karen.katz@usda.gov. Evaluation proceeds in descending order of importance across the operating plan, business plan and experience, financial resources, fees charged to the public, and fee to the Government. A site visit is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026 at 10am, with RSVPs to Karen Katz at karen.katz@usda.gov or 715-362-1381.