ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The U.S. Forest Service proposed fee changes in two recreational areas within Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. 

For those traveling the trails on bikes and horses, fees would be $5 per day for riders and an annual pass $30.

The public has been invited to provide input to the proposed changes for 60 days. That time frame closes on Aug. 22. 

After comments are received, the agency will assess concerns and present any fee proposals to the Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee. 

Trail volunteer and mountain biker Marc Clayton lives in Bent Creek, which brings him to the trails at least four times a week. 

“I’ve been doing this since 1984,” Clayton said. “Mountain biking is my thing.”

He enjoys the behind-the-scenes of maintaining trails.

“These trails mean enough to me that I volunteer out here,” Clayton said. “So I would see the people working these trails and go, well, I’m the user. I’m retired, I’m the one who’s got time. What can I do?”

Clayton has noticed the user experience is changing with such a large amount of people taking on the trails.

“The amount of use going out in these trails is not the level of use the National Forest Service is prepared for or can manage,” Clayton said. “Especially with the limited funds it has.”

Clayton said he is in favor of the proposed fees but hopes the funds would go toward education and training for the trails.

“If fees help with managing the volume and education for shared use, that’s good stuff!” Clayton said.