Privatizing Of Campgrounds Sought

The U.S. Forest Service is shopping around for a plan to privatize the operation of some of its most popular North Idaho campgrounds.

It hopes to find private parties who can run campgrounds along the Lochsa and Selway rivers on the Clearwater and Nez Perce national forests and make a profit.

“The Forest Service clearly can’t,” said Chuck Raddon, Clearwater recreation specialist. “We feel the recreation program is broke so we figure we need to find a way to get the job done.”

The agency advertised for bidders in December. The federal shutdown resulted in extending the bid deadline to Feb. 18.

“Rather than reducing services as we have done for years, this concession service looks like a better way,” Raddon said.

The proposal calls for bids for operating campgrounds in the Powell, Lochsa and Selway ranger districts.

Raddon said private businesses might be able to make enough money off camping fees and selling items like firewood.

“At least they won’t face as much red tape to fight through. The government is not designed to be efficient,” Raddon said.