Oneida County Forestry, Land and Recreation Committee approves user and permit fee increases

The Oct. 10 meeting of the Oneida County Forestry, Land and Recreation Committee was dominated by discussion of user and permit fee increases for 2024.

The goal is to cover some of the county’s costs while still keeping passes, permits and reservations affordable, according to Tanya Tischendorf of the Forestry and Outdoor Recreation department.

The annual trail pass increase was approved. The cost will increase from $25 to $30.

Park shelter reservations for 2024 will increase from $75 to $100. The security deposit required when booking a park shelter will be $100, up from $50 this year.

Firewood permits will be $25 next year for residents. Non-resident permits will be $35. Both of these are a $5 increase from 2023.

The cost of a Balsam bough permit for 2024 will increase to $20 from $10 for residents. Resident commercial permits will be $150, up from $100 this year. Nonresident commercial permits will be $250.

The Christmas tree permit increase was the only increase approved to start this year. As of Nov. 1, 2023, the permit fee with be $10, rather than the previous $5.

A remote camping permit fee increase was the last increase to be approved. That fee will be $20 in 2024, up from $10 this year.

Other business

The committee also approved an additional dock section the Friends of Town Line Lake Park wish to install at the park. The group originally wanted to install a bench on the existing kayak pier. However, they found the bench would take up too much room. To rectify that situation, they asked the committee to approve that additional dock section. The committee also discussed an alternative broadband tower location. Bug Tussel originally wanted to move forward with a tower on the corner of McCord and Muskellunge Road. However, they found that location would not be a viable option. The committee approved a new site in the gravel pit on Burrows Lake Road. This site would be available should Bug Tussel choose to place a tower there.

Beckie Gaskill may be reached via email at [email protected].