Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission Implements Day Use Fees

NewsOn6.com

CHEROKEE COUNTY -- Holiday weekend visitors to public access areas along the Illinois River east of Tahlequah may be in for a surprise.

Beginning Friday, the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission will begin implementing a user fee at most of its public access areas along the Illinois River.

According to the OSRC's web site, visitors will be required to purchase a $4.00 permit per vehicle for park use before 5:00 p.m..

Visitors may opt to purchase an Annual Day Use Permit for $35.00.

All permits are vehicle specific.

Senior Citizens 62 years old and over are exempt.

Motorcyclists or bicyclists that wish to use Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission parks during the day time hours, their fees are $1 per person.

If they are there after 5:00 p.m., regular camping fees apply. Camping Fees are $12 per night for the first vehicle. Any additional vehicles will be charged a day use fee.

Veterans, people with disabilities, and senior citizens 62 and older are entitled to a 50% discount.

OSRC's Ed Fite says the color-coded tags can be purchased at either the OSRC office or by asking any OSRC ranger.

In addition, Fite says beginning July 1st, the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission will charge a user fee for privately owned flotation devices.

He says those who wish to float the Illinois River using a privately owned flotation device will have two options.

They can pay an annual license for $10 or $1 per day per flotation device.