In recognition of “Back to School Season,” the Chief of the Forest Service is waiving fees at Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) day-use areas.

Around Lake Isabella, there will be no charge for day use at Auxiliary Dam, Old Isabella Road, South Fork Recreation, or Camp 9 Day Use Area on Saturday, Aug. 14 or Sunday, Aug. 15.

Fees will still apply for overnight use of Auxiliary Dam, Old Isabella, and South Fork Recreation. Camp 9 Day Use will remain closed to overnight usage; while the campground at Camp 9 will operate at normal price. Fees will also remain in effect for all other campgrounds in the Kern River Ranger District. Earlier this summer Tom Tidwell, Chief of the Forest Service, delivered a message explaining his intention to get the public out in the woods. In June, he said that the Forest Service is working to ensure as many visitors as possible have the opportunity to experience the great outdoors and take advantage of the many recreational activities national forests have to offer. To facilitate this, he added a new set of fee-waiver days to the calendar, including “Back to School Season.”