Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is an original cosponsor of legislation that would provide a reasonable, long-term solution for fees paid by owners of cabins on Forest Service land.  H.R. 4888, the Cabin Fee Act of 2010, would replace the existing flawed appraisal system for determining fees and establish a tiered yearly fee structure based on current appraisals and tied to inflation to eliminate the need for appraisals in the future. 

In 2000, Congress passed the Cabin User Fee Fairness Act (CUFFA), which was intended to create a fair appraisal process for cabin owners.  However, recent appraisals have resulted in steep fee increases for many cabin owners in Idaho.  A number of families who have had cabins on Forest Service land for generations are now finding themselves unable to afford the fees.

“In spite of Congress’s best intentions when passing CUFFA, Idaho families who own cabins in our National Forests continue to face escalating and unaffordable fees,” said Simpson. “This legislation will provide a realistic, long-term solution that will allow the families who have enjoyed these cabins for years to continue to do so, while still providing fair compensation for the use of public land.”

In addition to the tiered fee system, H.R.4888 institutes a transfer fee when cabins or sold or ownership is transferred to ensure that taxpayers are adequately reimbursed for the value of the land at that time.  This new system will create the stability and predictability for cabin users that has been lacking under CUFFA.

“The Recreation Residence Program was created to encourage private stewardship on public lands, and many of these cabins have been handed down for generations by families that have strong ties to the land and the surrounding communities,” said Simpson. “I am hopeful that the Cabin Fee Act of 2010 will be the solution that allows Idahoans to continue to enjoy our public lands for many years to come.”