For Manistee County's amateur radio enthusiasts radio communications are more than a hobby — its members also volunteer their services as backup communication in case of a catastrophic event in the area.

But the enthusiasts using a particular radio tower in the Manistee National Forest, Michigan may end up with a new $1,400 fee if a new fee system rule is put in place by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Agency.

Mike Machen, Manistee County emergency manager, reported at the county’s public safety committee meeting this month that the Manistee amateur radio club had received a letter from the U.S. Forest Service about the new possible fee for having communications equipment on a Forest Service tower.

“They brought that (information) to me and I’ve been working with (911 Director Jim) Espvik to try to figure out a way to make sure that we don’t lose this service,” Machen relayed to the committee.

Media Story - https://www.manisteenews.com/local-news/article/Why-a-new-proposed-Forest-Service-fee-may-impact-16944741.php

The Forest Service proposal results from requirements set forth in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (aka “the Farm Bill”). Specifically, section 8705(c)(3)(b) of the Farm Bill directs the Forest Service to issue regulations that require fees for issuing communications use authorizations based on the cost to the Agency for maintenance or other activities to be performed by the Agency “as a result of the location or modification of a communications facility.”

The Forest Service is responsible for managing US Federal Lands which are believed to cover 28% (640 million acres) of the entire US land area, map - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_lands

ARRL to Oppose Forest Service Administrative Fees for Amateur Facilities - http://www.arrl.org/news/view/arrl-to-oppose-forest-service-administrative-fees-for-amateur-facilities