The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

SALEM (AP) — Oregon public land officials have announced visiting and recreational activity costs are expected to increase while new permit systems limit access to large regions of backcountry.

The new fees and permits to hike, boat, fish and visit lands target low-paying groups to combat overcrowding amid a statewide population increase, The Statesman Journal reported Tuesday.

Anyone operating a non-motorized boat over 10 feet long in any boatable waterway must purchase a waterway access permit or be fined about $115 after a short grace period, officials said. The permit is available for $5 weekly, $17 annually or $30 every two years, typically including an extra $2 processing fee, land officials said.

In May, the U.S. Forest Service approved a limited-entry permit system for Three Sisters, Mount Jefferson and Mount Washington wilderness areas, but individual costs have yet to be determined, land officials said.

In addition, the cost of fishing and hunting licenses, adult angling tags and recreational vehicle campsites have also increased, officials said.

These changes raise questions about affordability and accessibility, but they are all meant to improve outdoor experiences statewide, land managers said.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit state websites for more details about the changes, officials said.