The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public feedback on a proposed update to the South Dakota Field Office’s recreation business plan, which outlines adjustments to fees at popular recreation sites.
The draft plan includes fee increases for the Alkali Creek Campground and the Alkali Creek Horse Camp near Fort Meade, locations frequented by outdoor enthusiasts for camping and equestrian activities.
According to an article published by Tri-State Livestock News, the proposed changes come after nearly two decades of stable fees. Current fees were established in 2005 when the campgrounds first began collecting expanded amenity fees. These rates have remained unchanged for over 24 years, despite rising operational costs associated with maintaining the sites.
The BLM has determined that the current fees for camping services no longer align with prevailing market conditions or the increasing costs of labor, maintenance, and operations at its recreation sites.
To address this gap, the agency is proposing an increase in expanded amenity fees, aiming to bring its pricing in line with similar federal and state-managed campgrounds in the region. The proposed adjustments are intended to ensure the fees reflect fair market value while supporting the ongoing upkeep and management of the campgrounds.
“If approved, these fees would be used to improve the Alkali Creek Campground and Alkali Creek Horse Camp with new amenities, maintenance, signage, restroom cleaning, supplies, increased law enforcement patrols, expansion of the RV sites, and visitor information,” BLM indicated on its website.
Under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) of 2004, the BLM has the authority to charge fees at qualifying recreation sites. The act aims to ensure that visitors contribute to the upkeep of public lands, particularly those offering enhanced amenities.
