Forest Service seeks input on fee increase

MILFORD — The US Forest Service at Grey Towers National Historic Site is proposing a $1 per person increase for its interpretive tour fee. Public input on the proposal is sought. The increase, the first in seven years, is proposed to help defray the costs of the growing public demand and programs at the historic estate. For the past several years, Grey Towers has improved its public programs to incorporate a variety of arts (music, dramatic readings, landscape painting and field journaling) and specialized tours. In addition, the community has benefited from an increased coordination with regional tourism activities, such as the Black Bear Film Festival, the Festival of Wood and unique opportunities, such as bringing the Capitol Christmas tree to Pike County last November. The proposed $1 increase would bring the interpretive tour fee to $6; $5 for seniors; $3 for children age 12 and over. Interagency passes will also continue to be available. There will be several fee free days offered throughout the year and conservation education and school programs will continue to be offered free of charge. The gardens, landscaped grounds and trails continue to be free and open to pedestrians from sun-up to sun-down every day. Public comment on the proposed increase will be accepted until March 31. To comment, call 570-296-9672, e-mail at greytowers@fs.fed.us or write to Grey Towers NHS, PO Box 188, Milford, PA, 18337. Comments will be considered before a final decision is made.