The Forest Service recently began a review and evaluation of its concessions program and the relationships between the agency and its concessioners. The agency acknowledged that concessioners provide “amazing benefits” to the public and Forest Service, maintain facilities to standards the agency cannot afford to sustain, provide local jobs that fuel rural economies and ensure recreational opportunities that likely would not exist without concession operations. The agency recognized that, in order for concessioners to provide the best possible services to the public, the agency’s relationship with concessioners must be “solid and respectful.” However, the agency noted that its concession program does not consistently achieve the outcomes which are desired.
The Forest Service is conducting information gathering by meeting with concessioners nationwide. The review will focus on the Forest Services’ presence in the concession areas, its relationship with concessioners, the business acumen of the agency staff who oversee the concessions, and the customer experience. The Forest Service will then make recommendations based on the insights gained, best management practices being used, attitudes and deficiencies found.
