TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – January 11, 2012

The National Forests in Florida is waiving fees at most of its day-use recreation sites over the Martin Luther King Birthday weekend, Jan. 14-16.

The fee waivers – the third this year — are offered in cooperation with other federal agencies under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Day-use fees will be waived at all standard amenity fee sites operated by the Forest Service. Concessionaire operated day-use sites may be included in the waiver if the permit holder wishes to participate.

“We encourage people who might not normally enjoy our beautiful public lands to get out of the house and enjoy a forest or grassland near you. Our lands offer a wide range of recreation and educational benefits such as improved physical and mental health, emotional well being, a concern for nature, and a conservation ethic,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell.

The fee waiver days support the goals of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative, as well as First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move Outside” program. For more information on the Forest Service’s recreation fee program and how these funds are used, please visit http://www.fs.fed.us/passespermits/about-rec-fees.shtml.

The National Forests in Florida recreation sites listed are the only locations waiving day-use fees for Martin Luther King Birthday weekend:

Ocala National Forest Apalachicola National Forest Osceola National Forest

Fore Lake Day Use Leon Sinks Geological Area Olustee Beach Day Use Area

Farles Day Use

Lake Eaton Boat Ramp & Pier

Mill Dam Boat Ramp and

Swim area

Lake Dorr Boat Ramp

Campsites and locations that are reserved through the website http://www.recreation.gov will not be included in the fee waiver. Contact your nearest national forest or grassland for local details.