BILLINGS - Forest Service facilities at some of your favorite places to visit in Big Sky Country could be shutting down. The U.S. Forest Service recently issued a national mandate which is forcing some districts to close certain facilities, increase access fees or limit access altogether.

It's all part of a new management policy to standardize U.S. Forest Service facilities such as campgrounds, rental cabins, trailheads, and picnic areas.

The Recreation Facilities Analysis (RFA) process asks forest managers to reassess certain facilities, make sure they adhere to national standards and fit budget constraints. For the Custer National Forest, the assessment is forcing them to make some tough decisions about adding fees and even closing certain facilities. But, before anything is set in stone, they are asking for public input.

Custer National Forest Recreation Program Manager, Doug Epperly, says he doesn't want to limit the way people enjoy the forest, but he says he has to in order to adhere to the new standards. He says, "I don't want to see any of these sites go but we will have to do some of these things to balance the books."

Some of the proposed changes include shutting down picnic sites at Sand Dunes and MacNab Pond and closing the Red Shale campground. Eleven campgrounds and cabins in the Custer National Forest are also up for new fees or increases of existing fees. Epperly says he's hoping people will get involved not only in the public comment period but also in coming up with ideas and ways for the community to partner with the Forest Service for future facility maintenance.

There will be a public meeting Wednesday, February 27th at the Ashland Public School Multi-Purpose room from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Another public meeting to discuss the proposed changes will be held Thursday, February 28th at the Red Lodge High School Cafeteria. The deadline for public comment is April 1st.

If you cannot make it to either of those meetings, you may mail comments to Custer National Forest, 1310 Main Street, Billings, MT 59105 or email them to northern-custer@fs.fed.us.

For more information on the proposed recreation site changes click here.