U.S. House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Shasta-Trinity National Forest

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan bill, H.R. 3324, aimed at extending the Shasta-Trinity National Forest’s authority to collect marina fees through fiscal year 2029. This bill was co-led by Congressmen Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and Jared Huffman (D-CA), both representing districts that encompass parts of the Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area.

The authority to collect and retain these fees is of paramount importance to the Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, responsible for managing 212,000 acres, including vast lake surfaces totaling 48,480 acres and 12 highly developed commercial marinas. The funds derived from marina fees, retained by the United States Forest Service, play a crucial role in financing various recreation enhancement initiatives.

“The Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area is important to residents, visitors, and our rural economy,” said Congressman LaMalfa. “It’s common sense that existing marina fees should be used to improve recreation for all those who visit the Recreation Area.”

These initiatives encompass a wide range of projects, including improvements to boat ramps, efforts to maintain the cleanliness of the lakes, the upkeep of recreational facilities, and educational programs. Importantly, the passing of this bill will not lead to any changes in the current pricing structure for marina fees.

It is worth noting that the authority to collect and retain these fees initially expired in 2019 but has since been temporarily extended through appropriations legislation. This extension, now set to continue through 2029, ensures the ongoing support of vital programs and projects within the Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, benefitting both residents and visitors alike.