Vets Get Free Entry To San Bernardino, Cleveland Natl. Forests

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — Starting Wednesday and continuing for the foreseeable future, the San Bernardino and Cleveland National Forests will admit active-duty and veterans of the U.S. Armed Services, as well as Gold Star families, to all recreational use areas for free.

The fee-free implementation is part of a Veterans Day salute that may be indefinite, with no sunset date announced. It applies not only to the local national forests, but all federal forest lands nationwide, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

"This country is deeply indebted to the dedicated men and women who have served in the military, and to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation," Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen said. "We are pleased to offer this free access opportunity as a way to honor them and to encourage them to explore our nation's big backyard."

Most federal preserves are open and free for visitation, but some locations charge fees for picnicking in reserved spaces, accessing visitor centers, using campfire rings and taking part in water sports, among other things.

Fees for those recreational activities will no longer apply to vets and Gold Star families, who have lost loved ones in overseas military engagements.

Individuals who qualify for fee waivers can find information on where to obtain vouchers to present to rangers at https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/passes-permits/recreation-fees-passes.