"LOS ANGELES -- The U.S. Forest Service plans to grant free access to nearly all national forest lands, scaling back unpopular recreation fees that have raised the ire of hikers but also sent millions of dollars to Southern California's heavily used forests."

"The agency proposes eliminating fees for three-quarters of the forest areas where they are now imposed, including 19 in Southern California. The charges in Southern California take the form of the regional Adventure Pass, which costs $5 a day or $30 annually.

Many trail heads, day-use sites and general forest areas where fees are now in effect in the region's four national forests will become free, said Tamara Wilton, a California Forest Service manager."

Bettina Boxall reports for the Los Angeles Times February 29, 2012. [2]