Forest Visitors to Be Charged $5 Daily Fee

Visitors to the Angeles National Forest and three other Southern California forests will be charged a $5 daily fee per vehicle starting June 16, officials announced Wednesday.

The fees, instituted as part of a three-year test program, are needed to reverse past budget cuts and shore up aging facilities, said Mike Rogers, supervisor of the Angeles National Forest.

Officials will make use of the busy Memorial Day weekend to tell campers and hikers about the fees. An annual pass will cost $30. The program includes the Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino national forests. Annual passes go on sale Friday at various ranger stations. Daily passes will be available June 9.

In anticipation of new funding, Rogers said the Switzer picnic area along the Angeles Crest Highway will be reopened Saturday. It was closed four years ago because of funding shortages.