Beginning in 2019, the Bloomington Lake Day Use Area, along with several campgrounds within the Montpelier Ranger District, will be managed by a recreation service provider partner, Aud and Di. Once the fee tubes are installed, which is expected in mid-July, a $5 per vehicle day-use fee will be assessed at the popular Bloomington Lake Day Use Area in Southeast Idaho. Holders of the Federal Recreation Annual Pass will pay $2.50 per vehicle. The fee will be used to service and maintain the day use area’s recreation facilities and invest in amenity updates.
While previously a no-fee site, the continued popularity of the area and increased visitation has resulted in a significant strain on day-to-day operations. Aud and Di will use the day-use fees to maintain site amenities and ensure appropriate sanitation monitoring at Bloomington Lake.
“All our campgrounds, as well as the Minnetonka Cave, operate under a concessionaire permit,” said Montpelier District Ranger Mike Duncan. “We decided to add Bloomington Lake under this strategy to alleviate some of the constraints on our workforce.” Partners such as Aud and Di provide services and can respond quickly to customer needs and expectations. The day-use fee will allow the company the tools necessary to provide quality services to the high number of individuals accessing the site.
Bloomington Lake is a high-elevation (8,200 feet) 10-acre glaciated lake with a healthy trout population. Access is by Bloomington Canyon by high-clearance vehicles only. The last quarter-mile is limited to foot travel only. This area is managed as a Special Emphasis Area in the Caribou Revised Forest Plan for its unique geologic, ecological, botanical and zoological resource values.
Fee envelopes will be placed at the Bloomington Lake parking lot. Visitors will be required to fill out a fee envelope, remove the visitor portion for placement in their vehicle, and deposit the day use envelope in a fee tube. Additional information will be available on kiosks at the parking area.
Questions or concerns should be directed Mike Duncan, Montpelier District ranger, at 208-847-0375.
