Ocala National Forest JULY 2019

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service

Use Code 141 FS-2700-34 (REV-02/2017) OMB No. 0596-0082

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions

Photos: Juniper Springs Recreation Area, Alexander Springs Campground, Juniper Run Canoe Trail

Forest Service Ocala National Forest JULY 2019

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

Table of Contents I. Business Opportunity ...... 1 A. Introduction ...... 1 B. Area Description ...... 3 C. Description of Developed Recreation Sites and Facilities ...... 5 a. Alexander Springs Recreation Area ...... 6 b. Buck Lake Group Campground ...... 14 c. Clearwater Lake Recreation Area Complex ...... 17 d. Hopkins Prairie Campground & Day Use Area ...... 22 e. Juniper Springs Recreation Area Complex ...... 22 f. Juniper Wayside Canoe Take Out ...... 27 g. Mill Dam Day Use Area, Boat Ramp, Group Camping ...... 30 h. Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area ...... 31 i. Wildcat Lake Day Use Area ...... 34 j. Cabin Rental, Lake Dorr ...... 38 k. Cabin Rental, Sweetwater ...... 38 l. Trails Summary and Maintenance...... 42 m. Spring and Swim Area Summary and Maintenance ...... 44 D. Government-Furnished Property ...... 47 E. Government-Furnished Supplies ...... 47 F. Utilities and Waste Management ...... 47 II. Forest Service Concession Programs and Policies ...... 55 A. Recreation.gov ...... 55 B. Pass Discounts ...... 56 C. Camp Stamps ...... 57 D. Site Closure...... 57 E. Administrative Use ...... 57 F. Applicable Forest Orders ...... 58 G. Fee Tickets and Compilation of Use and Revenue Data ...... 58 H. Customer Service Comment Cards ...... 58 I. Performance Evaluations...... 58 J. Accessibility ...... 58 K. Camping Unit Capacity ...... 59 L. Stay Limit ...... 60 M. Fees Charged to the Public...... 60 N. Law Enforcement ...... 60 O. Other Pertinent Information ...... 60 III. Special Use Permit ...... 66 A. Permit Term ...... 66 i

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest B. Permit Holder Responsibilities ...... 66 C. Granger-Thye Fee Offset Agreement ...... 67 D. Insurance ...... 68 IV. Application ...... 68 A. Instructions for Submitting Applications ...... 68 B. General Terms, Qualifications, and Reservations ...... 69 C. Application Package Requirements ...... 70 D. Evaluation of Applications ...... 74 V. Post-Selection Requirements ...... 75 VI. List of Appendices ...... 76 VII. Optional Appendices ...... 76

Appendix 1: Vicinity and Area Maps Appendix 2: Maps of Developed Recreation Sites Appendix 3: Inventory of Government-Furnished Property Appendix 4: Applicable Forest Orders Appendix 5: Sample Use Report Appendix 6: Sample Customer Service Comment Card Appendix 7: Standard Performance Evaluation Form Appendix 8: FSM 2342.1, Exhibit 01, Law Enforcement at Concession Campgrounds Appendix 9: Sample Annual Operating Plan and MRR Plan Appendix 10: FS-2700-4h, Special-Use Permit for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, and Appendix F, Operation of Federally Owned Drinking Water Systems Appendix 11: FS-2700-4h, Appendix B, Granger-Thye Fee Offset Agreement Appendix 12: Potential Government Maintenance, Reconditioning, Renovation, and Improvement (MRRI) Projects Appendix 13: Indirect Cost Reimbursement Letter Appendix 14: FS-2700-4h, Appendix G, Granger-Thye Fee Offset Certification Appendix 15: Sample Collection Agreement for Granger-Thye Fee Offset Work Appendix 16: Sample Business Plan Appendix 17: FS-6500-24, Financial Statement Appendix 18: FS-6500-25, Request for Verification Appendix 19: National Quality Standards for Recreation Site Management (formally Meaningful Measures) Appendix 20: Ocala National Forest Sign Plan Appendix 21: Repairing and Disinfecting Water Lines Appendix 22: Graffiti Removal Protocols Appendix 23: Photographs of Typical Recreation Sites Appendix 24: Interpretive Plan, Ocala National Forest Appendix 25: Ocala National Forest Action Plan for Black Bear Conflicts in USFS Developed Recreation Campgrounds

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

List of Tables

Table 1. Recreation Area and Site Gross Revenue 2016-2018, Ocala National Forest ...... 2 Table 2. Concessionaire and Forest Service Gross Revenue 2016-2018, Ocala National Forest .. 3 Table 3. Alexander Springs Recreation Area Complex Facility and Utility Description, Ocala National Forest ...... 12 Table 4. Alexander Springs Recreation Area Complex 2018 Fees, Ocala National Forest ...... 14 Table 5. Forest Service Operated Facility and Utility Description, Ocala National Forest ...... 15 Table 6. Forest Service Facility 2018 Fees, Ocala National Forest ...... 17 Table 7. Clearwater Lake Recreation Area Complex Facility and Utility Description, Ocala National Forest ...... 20 Table 8. Clearwater Lake Recreation Area Complex 2018 Fees, Ocala National Forest ...... 21 Table 9. Juniper Springs Recreation Area Complex Facility and Utility Description, Ocala National Forest ...... 28 Table 10. Juniper Springs Recreation Area Complex 2018 Fees, Ocala National Forest ...... 30 Table 11. Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area and Wildcat Day Use Area Facility and Utility Description, Ocala National Forest ...... 36 Table 12. Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area Complex and Wildcat Lake Day Use 2018 Fees, Ocala National Forest ...... 37 Table 13. Lake Dorr Cabin and Sweetwater Cabin Facility and Utility Description and 2018 Gross Revenue, Ocala National Forest ...... 40 Table 14. Summary of Trail Sites and Maintenance Needs, Ocala National Forest ...... 43 Table 15. Summary of Spring and Swim Sites and Maintenance Needs, Ocala National Forest 46 Table 16. Water Systems, Ocala National Forest ...... 48 Table 17. Waste Water and Septic Systems, Ocala National Forest ...... 52

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest I. Business Opportunity

A. Introduction

This prospectus is being issued to solicit applications for a concession (campground, day use, and cabin) special use permit to provide high-quality public service for the operation and maintenance of government-owned recreation facilities located on the Lake George Ranger District and Seminole Ranger District on the Ocala National Forest, National Forests in Florida, USFS Region 8. The permit term will be valid for up to 5 years, with an option to extend the term for up to an additional 5 years at the sole discretion of the authorized officer.

The Ocala National Forest concession prospectus offering encompasses the following list of facilities. All of the sites are currently managed under two separate concession special use permits except Buck Lake, Hopkins Prairie and Mill Dam which are fee areas operated and maintained by the Forest Service. Facility amenities and offerings are described beginning on page 5 and in Tables 1-17. Alexander Springs Recreation Area Buck Lake Group Campground Clearwater Lake Recreation Area Hopkins Prairie Campground and Day Use Area Juniper Springs Recreation Area Juniper Wayside Canoe Launch Mill Dam Day Use Area and Boat Launch Silver Glen Springs Day Use Area Wildcat Lake Day Use Area Cabin Rental, Lake Dorr Cabin Rental, Sweetwater

Note. The capacity and types of recreational use in and around the Alexander Spring, Juniper Spring and Silver Glen Spring complexes as we know them currently, will be affected by the outcome of the Ocala National Forest Spring Management Strategy. The Ocala National Forest Spring Management Strategy, which is aligned with the US Forest Service RISE TO THE FUTURE: National Fish and Aquatic Strategy and National Best Management Practices for Water Quality Management on National Forest System Lands is an internal document finalized in the fall of 2018 that outlines strategies and goals to restore and improve the health of these springs while finding a balance of sustainable recreational use. Under the Ocala National Forest Spring Management Strategy and supporting national strategies, Aquatic Management Zones and facilities maintenance will follow Green Industry practices for sustainability and protection of the aquifer and surface waters. Recreation shall exist in the framework of ecological sustainability and interpretive learning opportunities that build social and cultural appreciation of natural resources and guide visitor behavior to reflect a conservation ethic, while supporting all functions of these fragile and globally rare ecosystems. The management direction of the springs affords bidders an opportunity to develop creative, impactful and expanded recreation services and opportunities for visitors beyond existing camping and day-use activities.

The authorized officer for this business opportunity is the Forest Supervisor for the Ocala National Forest, National Forests of Florida, 325 John Knox Road, Suite F-100, Tallahassee, FL

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest 32303. Applicants are responsible for producing their own business plans and for their own financial predictions in responding to this prospectus.

Operating Season. The operating season defined for this concession prospectus is 365 days a year. Peak season is April 15 – October 14 and non-peak season is October 15 – April 14. Lake Dorr and Sweetwater Cabins will be available to the public for 48 weeks/year, allowing 1 week for maintenance each quarter.

The two current concession special use permits on the Ocala National Forest authorizing operation and maintenance of government-owned recreation facilities including the offered sites in this prospectus expire on December 31, 2019.

Table 1. Recreation Area and Site Gross Revenue 2016-2018, Ocala National Forest

Facility Name 2016 2017 2018 Alexander Springs Campground +Reservations, Elec, Extra Vehicle, 96,158 173,284 175,909 Shower, RV Dump Station Day Use + Seasonal Pass 294,474 410,047 449,158 Firewood 13,860 20,375 25,737 Retail Sales + Ice, Food 87,584 109,688 94,375 Canoe Rental 47,543 69,395 78,253 Buck Lake Group Campground 7,563 6,650 5,980 Clearwater Lake Campground +Reservations, Electric, Extra 47,180 69,674 57,778 Vehicle, RV Dump Station Day Use + Seasonal pass 5,345 6,522 13,238 Firewood 4,543 5,679 6,919 Retail Sales + Ice 930 1,078 1,108 Canoe Rental 2,017 2,064 1,978 Hopkins Prairie Campground & Boat Ramp Campground 7,179 6,385 4,196 Day Use Boat Ramp 350 285 325 Juniper Springs Camping + Reservations 205,918 217,980 176,047 Day Use + Annual Pass 284,628 245,559 263,579 Firewood 30,578 32,156 40,207 Store, Ice, Vending 108,519 107,582 115,148 Canoe Rental 173,850 167,090 174,294 Overnight Parking 8,310 7,575 6,720 Juniper Springs Rehaul 19,215 19,483 17,459 Mill Dam Group Camping (Oct 1 – March 15) 2,907 3,125 3,420 Day use (picnic ground, beach) (March 16- Sept 30) 6,149 6,297 6,569 Boat Ramp 460 311 386 Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area Day Use + Seasonal Pass, overnight 217,906 229,893 333,413 Retail Sales + Firewood, Ice, Food 50,616 54,211 63,656 Canoe Rental 12,374 13,895 30,229 Wildcat Lake Day Use 2

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest Day Use + Seasonal Pass 5,308 8,209 6,577

Cabin Rental, Lake Dorr Cabin 17,417 28,694 25,934 Cabin Rental, Sweetwater Cabin 36,369 42,530 41,285

Notes on Gross Revenue: Taxes excluded from gross revenue; Hurricane Matthew reduced site occupancy and use in 2016

For each year from 2016-2018 the current concessionaire permit holders and the Forest Service have generated the following gross revenues:

Table 2. Concessionaire and Forest Service Gross Revenue 2016-2018, Ocala National Forest

Name 2016 2017 2018 American Land & Leisure, Inc. $ 903,255 $ 1,202,708 $ 1,364,262 Recreation Resource Management $ 867,387 $ 839,955 $ 834,739 Forest Service Revenue $ 24,608 $ 23,053 $ 20,876 TOTAL Gross Revenue: $1,795,250 $ 2,065,716 $ 2,219,877

Notes on Gross Revenue: American Land & Leisure, Inc. revenue includes Alexander Springs Recreation Complex, Clearwater Lake Recreation Area Complex, Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area, Wildcat Lake Day Use Area and Lake Dorr Cabin. Recreation Resource Management revenue includes Juniper Springs Recreation Area Complex, Juniper Springs Wayside (Canoe Rehaul) and Sweetwater Cabin. Ocala National Forest revenue includes Buck Lake Campground, Hopkins Prairie Campground and Day Use Area, and Mill Dam Day Use Area

B. Area Description The 383,000 acre Ocala National Forest is the southernmost national forest within the continental United States. The forest is managed on two ranger districts located in portions of Marion, Lake, and Putnam counties. Highway 40 running east and west through the middle of the forest serves as a division between Lake George Ranger District to the north and Seminole Ranger District to the south. The main office for the Lake George Ranger District is located in Silver Springs, Florida on the western edge of the forest while the main office for the Seminole Ranger District is located in Umatilla, Florida on the southern edge. Collectively, the Apalachicola, Osceola, and Ocala National Forests are named the National Forests of Florida and share a headquarters in Tallahassee, Florida. To find detailed information on the Ocala National Forest visit their website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/ocala).

The Ocala National Forest is located in central Florida 45 miles southeast of Gainesville and 50 miles north of Orlando and bordered by Lake George to the east. Approximately 8.5 million people live within a 2 hour drive of the forest. See Appendix 1, Vicinity Maps, for more information on the location of the sites in this offering.

The Ocala National Forest protects the world’s largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest from development and is located in a subtropical forest ecoregion in central Florida. In the “Big 3

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest Scrub” region sand pine make up the majority of the forest canopy while longleaf pine, a variety of dwarf type oak, Florida rosemary, scrub palmetto, and saw palmetto are notably found. In addition to the dry and unique sand pine/oak “Big Scrub” forest, other plant communities include lush and shady mixed-hardwood hammocks, open and park-like longleaf sandhills, rich longleaf and slash pine flatwoods, and expansive prairie wetlands full of wildflowers and wading birds.

The climate of the Ocala National Forest is characterized by a long, warm season and short, cold season. Much of the winter is mild, with daytime temperatures in the 50's. An occasional warm spell may produce 60's for a few days and short cold snaps may drop temperatures into the 30's and 40's. Summers are usually hot and humid with temperatures in the 80's and 90's, humidity hovering around 90%, and frequent thunder showers especially in the afternoons and evenings. The average annual precipitation is 53 inches occurring mostly in the summer.

The Ocala National Forest is noted for its broad range of outdoor recreational opportunities many of which are associated with the more than 600 lakes, springs, and streams within its borders which provide excellent fishing, boating, swimming, and other water sports. Four large and highly-developed recreation area complexes centered on spring sources account for the majority of the developed recreation use on the Ocala National Forest and include Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, Silver Glen Springs, and Salt Springs. These large, picturesque natural springs, discharge over 200 million gallons of crystal clear water each day. Numerous other smaller campgrounds, boat launches and swimming areas on the forest offer less developed and remote recreation experiences to satisfy a diverse range of user preferences.

Nationally designated scenic byways, hiking trails, and four wilderness areas attract visitors to the Ocala National Forest. There are 240 miles of trails including interpretive trails, canoe, hiking, horse, and bicycling trails and a designated off highway vehicle use trail which provide exceptional access to and experiences for recreational year round activities including hunting. Campgrounds, day use areas and a visitor center adjacent to these routes provide parking, comfort stations, overnight accommodations and educational information to users. A sampling of the most popular recreation opportunities is highlighted below. • The Black Bear National Scenic Byway provides more than 60 miles of highway exploration through a network of scenic roads between Silver Springs and Ormond Beach and follows State Route 40 east to west through the heart of the Ocala National Forest. • The Florida National Scenic Trail provides a 1300 mile backpacking experience and takes visitors through the heart of the forest (66 miles) from end to end through two wilderness areas connecting and accessing campground and day use sites and past hundreds of small lakes and streams. • Juniper Run Canoe Trail is one of the top 25 canoe runs in American and the most popular route takes visitors 7 miles from Juniper Springs day use area through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness to the take out at the Highway 19 Bridge. The creek continues another 2 miles terminating in Lake George. • Yearling Trail near Silver Glen Springs offers day hikers a walk through the Big Scrub to an island and interprets the history of the area along the way. • Juniper Prairie Wilderness, the largest of the 4 wilderness areas preserves 14,283 acres of the “Big Scrub” ecosystem allowing only non-motorized and non-mechanized travel by foot or non-motorized watercraft. Popular trails providing access through the wilderness are the Florida National Scenic Trail and the Juniper Run Canoe Trail. The Little Lake

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest George Wilderness Area, Billies Bay Wilderness Area and Alexander Springs Wilderness Area also offer visitors a primitive, non-motorized and non-mechanized experiences. • Ocala North OHV Trail System with 6 major trailheads provides approximately 130 miles of back country off highway vehicle trails. The Delancy West Trailhead along Forest Route 66 also offers OHV camping. • Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail provides visitors with a 22 mile loop through the southeastern corner of the Ocala National Forest and is a major destination for mountain bike users. The trail connects the Alexander Springs and Clearwater Lake Recreation Area Complexes. • Pittman Visitor Center located on the western edge of the forest off SR 19 seasonally offers forest information, maps, passes, guidebooks and educational information on the Ocala National Forest.

Other significant state and federal managed areas adjacent to the borders of the Ocala National Forest offer recreational opportunities to visitors seeking an outdoor experience and include the following areas. • Lake George on the eastern border of the forest is Florida’s second largest fresh water lake on the St. Johns River system and covers 46,000 acres providing both fresh and salt water fishing and boating opportunities that significantly contribute to the local economy. • Seminole State Forest on the southern border, Silver River State Park and Florida Greenway State Recreation and Conservation Area on the western border, the Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area on the northern border and Lake George State Forest on the eastern border of the forest provide tens of thousands of acres of additional public land for visitors to experience a wide range of recreational opportunities. • Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge (USFWS) adjacent to the forest’s eastern border manages for the conservation of many species of fish and wildlife and offers non- motorized and less developed recreational pursuits.

The Ocala National Forest receives close to one million site visits annually (916,000) with 423,000 site visits at day use areas centered on spring, lake or stream based activities and 130,000 site visits at overnight campgrounds and cabins. Forty eight percent of visitors use the developed swimming sites on their national forest visit and 92% of visitors only go to one site on their national forest visit. The other approximately 247,000 site visits include activities such as scenic drives to view wildlife and natural features, hunting, dispersed fishing, hiking or walking and other recreational pursuits in general forest areas. The majority of Ocala National Forest visitors live within 50 miles of the forest and are from central Florida counties. Sixty two percent of recreationists visit the forest 1-5 times a year and 47% are between the ages of 20-49. The main activities visitors participate in are relaxing, hiking and viewing wildlife and natural features spending on average less than 6 hours per day trip and 2 days per camping trip (USFS, National Visitor Use Monitoring Survey, 2016).

C. Description of Developed Recreation Sites and Facilities The following is a description of each of the developed recreation sites included in this prospectus (see Appendix 1 of the prospectus for vicinity maps, and Appendix 2 for maps of developed recreation sites). Tables 3-17 summarize facility amenities for each site.

The Ocala National Forest concession prospectus site descriptions include sites within 3 spring based recreation complexes and sites adjacent to 6 lakes offering 4 single family campgrounds 5

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest (208 sites), 2 group campgrounds (2 sites), 6 picnic grounds, 4 motorized boat ramps, 7 non- motorized boat launches, 6 swim beaches, 3 stores, 3 RV sewer waste stations, and 8 trails (4 trailheads). These sites contain approximately 365 picnic tables, 260 fire rings, 353 pedestal grills, 112 metal bear proof food storage boxes, 100 metal double bear proof trash cans and 12 large 10 yard dumpsters. a. Alexander Springs Recreation Area Alexander Springs Recreation Area, elevation 30 feet, is located in the southeastern portion of the Ocala National Forest approximately 6 miles northeast of the intersection of State Road 40 and County Road 445. The Billie Bay Wilderness Area surrounds the complex on three sides. The Civilian Conservation Corps initially constructed the facilities in the 1930’s and the area has been under USDA Forest Service administration since that time. The unique subtropical vegetation surrounding the complex includes hardwood swamps, palms and sand ridges.

Alexander Springs, the focal point within the Alexander Springs Recreation Area is a 300 foot wide freshwater spring that gushes approximately 70 million gallons of water per day and maintains a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Alexander Springs Creek, a primary recreational attraction originates at the spring and is a popular water trail for canoeists.

Alexander Springs is the only spring on the Ocala National Forest where certified scuba diving is permitted. Six outfitter and guide businesses, authorized under separate special use permits, offer scuba diving lessons and trips although private scuba divers are welcomed. The scuba outfitter and guide permit holders reserve space at the spring through the concession permit holder by calling the gatehouse to make those reservations. Currently, the six permitted businesses and their permit expiration dates include: Seminole Scuba (2019), Peter Freeman (2021), Zanzibar Scuba (2021), Ed Voska (2022), CFL Scuba (2022) and Lawrence Kayne (2022). No new permits are planned to be issued at this time. A total of approximately 1500- 2000 clients or service days are authorized annually for all 6 permits. Regulations and restrictions for scuba diving outfitter and guides include: • Reservation must be made 2-15 days in advance at the gatehouse at Alexander Springs. • The attendant has a list of certified scuba divers who work for the 6 permit holders. • March 15-September 30 reservations cannot be made for Sundays or holidays; 30 clients total allowed per day in either the am or pm time slot the other days of the week • October 1 – March 14 reservations are allowed 7 days a week; 60 clients total allowed per day

A concession area offering pre-packaged food, camping supplies and non-motorized watercraft rental support all visitor activities in the complex. Swimming, scuba diving and canoeing are the 3 most popular day use activities in this complex. Other day use opportunities include both family and group picnicking, a bicycle trail (Paisley Woods) and hiking on 2 trails; Timucuan Trail, a short ½ mile loop accessible interpretive boardwalk with fishing platforms, and the Florida National Scenic Trail. The fee parking area for users of the Florida National Scenic Trail and Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail is adjacent to the entrance station. A 1 mile spur to the official trails begins at the lot. The Florida National Scenic Trail and Paisley Bike Trail are maintained by the Forest Service and volunteer groups. Regular maintenance of the Timucuan Trail and joint trailhead for the FL National Scenic Trail and Paisley Bike Trail will be the responsibility of the concessionaire permit holder (see Table 14).

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest The complex consists of overnight facilities which include a campground (67 unit, no hookups), 4 bathhouses with hot showers, and 1 RV Sewer Waste Station, and day use facilities which include an entrance fee station, 100 space paved day use parking area with curb stops, amphitheater, picnic area (43 picnic tables/30 grills), 2 picnic shelters (16 tables/2 grills), ; swimming area and beach at the spring, 1 outdoor open cold shower post with multiple faucets, concession building (canoe rental and food), canoe launch and take out landing, Timucuan Interpretive hiking trail (1/2 mile boardwalks, signs, overlooks), trailhead (Florida National Scenic Trail and Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail). See Table 3 for a summary of facility and utility descriptions.

The entire complex is a fee area operated under a concession special use permit. There are separate fees for the campground and day use area. Fees charged in 2018 are listed in Table 4.

Special Requirements of the permit holder authorized to operate and manage the facilities at the Alexander Springs Recreation Area Complex include the following:

Entrance Station Operation. The permit holder will be required to operate the Entrance Station at a minimum staffed year round from 0800-2000 during daylight savings time and from 0800 to 1800 outside of daylight saving time.

Potted Plant and flower garden Maintenance. The permit holder will be responsible for the care and maintenance of the 17 (100-200 gallon) potted planters around the concession building and entrance station and on the grounds near the buildings. Costs for purchase, planting and care of new plants will be the responsibility of the permit holder. Native plants are required for all plantings with exceptions considered with written Forest Service approval for areas where turf grass is needed. Currently, the majority of the plants in these containers are non-native, and in poor condition and appearance and need to be replaced with all native plants during the first year of the permit.

Required length of stay and occupancy limit for the campground includes: • 14 day stay limit • Each campsite may hold a maximum of 2 vehicles, and 5 people.

Staffing. • The permit holder will provide a Red Cross Certified lifeguard from May 15-Sept 15 from 10 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week. • An onsite manager will be available 24 hours a day and reside at Alexander Springs Recreation complex in the designated manager host campsite. • On-site law enforcement presence in the form of a Class D certified private security guard or Lake County Sheriff law enforcement officer is to be present when the campground capacity is 75% or higher. The security officer will patrol the campground from 2000 to 0200.

Telephone Service. The permit holder will be required to maintain and assume all associated costs for the current landline telephone numbers at Alexander Springs Recreation Area (352-669- 3552) and the Concession Store (352-669-9166).

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest Alexander Run. There are no restrictions on the number of watercraft that can launch per day from this facility for either the concession rental program or the general public. Only non- motorized watercraft are allowed to launch. The current permit holder rents 36 canoes and kayaks (mostly canoes). Future restrictions may be applied based on resource protection needs and restoration activities. No additional watercraft will be allowed for rent in the new permit.

Beach Maintenance. There is no sand beach and the permit holder will strive to keep turf grass growing throughout the picnic area and up to the concrete wall at the water’s edge (see Table 15). The permit holder will test the swim area water regularly following Florida Administrative Code regulations (see F. Utilities and Waste Management).

Interpretive Programs. See requirements in this prospectus under Section II. Forest Service Concession Programs and Policies, O. Other Pertinent Information, k. Interpretive Program and Plan and Appendix 24, Interpretive Plan, Ocala National Forest.

Family Campground The campground at Alexander Springs Recreation Area contains four loops with 67 single family campsites of which 4 are accessible. Each campsite has a table, pedestal grill, fire-ring, site marker (wood or carsonite), bear food locker and lantern post. There are 3 bulletin boards. There are no hookups at this campground. Thirty nine campsites at this campground are on the reservation system (https://www.recreation.gov). A fee of $24/site/night is charged for a single family campsite and $16.50/night for overflow camping. See Table 1 for other fee charges.

All roads and camping spurs are paved. Potable water is supplied for the entire complex from one well housed in a 162 sq. ft. wooden pump house. Water is pumped to steel hydropneumatic storage tank located near the campground. There are 15 water hydrants. The septic system consists of lift station at loop D housed in a 75 sq. ft. wooden shed that carries the effluent to a central holding tank and leach field located across SR19. Ground maintenance of the leach field area is required.

There are four accessible flush toilet buildings (approximately 1200 sq. ft. each) with hot showers located one per loop. Each side has 2 showers and 3 toilet stalls and 2 sinks with mirrors and electric outlets. A water fountain is located outside the building with a bike rack. Hot water heaters are fueled by electric.

Trash collection using bear proof containers and recycling is required. A central garbage collection area near the campground entrance includes 3 dumpsters (10 yard each).

There are 6 host sites in one central location including the manager site all providing water, sewer and electric hookups.

RV Sewer Waste Station The RV Sewer Waste Station is located at the campground entrance just inside the fee entrance station. It contains a holding tank and drain field. A clean out drain and hose for cleanup is available. Potable drinking water is supplied to refill RV water tanks. The fee for a single use is $8 for campers and $10 for guests.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest Entrance Fee Station and Trailhead Parking The entrance fee station is a 600 sq. ft. wood building with 2 accessible flush toilets with outside entrances at the back. It contains a drive up window, small visitor information room and 2 offices. Utilities include electricity, air conditioning, satellite dish, telephone service, running water and septic system with a lift station, a flagpole and regulatory and directional signs. To the right of the station is an outdoor ice cooler (2 door) and metal shed that houses firewood. To the left of the station is a large paved and striped parking lot that holds 12 vehicles and serves as a parking area/trailhead for the Florida National Scenic trail and the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail to Clearwater Lake. Overnight users of the trailhead pay $6/night, day users pay the day use fee.

Between the entrance station exit road and the trailhead parking area are 4 huge 100 gallon concrete planters (see Potted Plant requirements above). All the entrance roads to and within this facility are paved with asphalt. Line striping delineates two lanes for vehicles to stop to pay fees or bypass the station.

Day Use Area Parking Lot, Canoe Storage Area, Amphitheater Parking Lot. The day use area parking lot is a paved loop with 100 parking spaces on either side of the loop. Parking is delineated with curb stops and line striping. There are 4 accessible spaces with signing and painted symbols on the lot. Camping guests park their vehicles in this lot for a fee of $8 per night. About 10 picnic tables are scattered inside and outside the loop. Approximately 6 metal double (2, 55 gallon cans each) bear proof garbage cans are bolted to the ground and located around the parking lot and there are three 10 yard dumpsters at the kayak rental area. There are 3 huge 200 gallon concrete planters between the parking lot and concession area (see Potted Plant requirements above).

Amphitheater. The amphitheater located adjacent to the day use parking lot has the capacity to hold 60-70 visitors. This facility is in fair to poor condition and contains 18 wooden benches arranged in 3 rows facing a framed 4x4 plywood projector screen. A post with electricity and a makeshift stand to hold a project is present. The amphitheater has not been used very often. Health and safety items would need to be addressed before the public is invited to use the facility. In the future the forest would like to see regularly scheduled guest speakers and programs and a group fire ring added to this facility.

Canoe Storage Area. A fenced area just off the parking lot entrance holds open air canoe and kayak racks and a small wooden 10x12 building to hold life jackets and paddles. Approximately 40-50 watercraft can be stored on these racks. A 6 foot high wooden plank fence painted brown shields the area from the parking lot.

Concession Store, Bathhouse, Patio Area Just off the parking lot between the water (beach/launch/picnic area) and the lot is a highly developed concrete paved area that contains the concrete block concession store and bathhouse. This area also contains a 3 interpretive panel triangular shape sign, concrete pillars containing sidewalk lights and between these pillars panels of metal fencing. Approximately 10 huge 50- 100 gallon concrete planters (see Potted Plant requirements above), 12 round concrete picnic tables some with umbrellas and 10 concrete benches are scattered around the two buildings. The first year of the permit the current 6 concrete trash cans near the store and bathhouse will need to be replaced with bear proof trash containers to reduce the smell of garbage that is attracting the bears to the facility. Bear proof trash containers and recycling are required.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest Bathhouse. The bathhouse, a 30x30 concrete block building with a metal roof contains separate men’s and women’s restroom and shower amenities. Each side has 6 hot water showers and 4 stalls (3 in men’s with a urinal) and 2 sinks with mirrors. The water is heated by electric hot water heaters (50 gallons). The water is piped from a central on site water treatment facility that shall be maintained and tested by the concessionaire permit holder. The septic system for the bathhouse is a standard septic tank with lift system that leads to a leech field across SR 19.

Concession Store. The store sits directly across from the bathhouse. It is a 25x30 concrete block building with a metal roof and offers limited pre-packaged food products, snacks, drinks, camping supplies and beach toys. A small area in the corner of the store is set up to give interpretive programs to kids and seats about 6-8 kids at one time. The store has an office and small storage room.

Family and Group Picnic Area, Swim Beach Area, Canoe Launch, Timucuan Trail Picnic Area. The day use picnic area offers both single family and group facilities. The single family area is comprised of 60 picnic tables and 40 pedestal grills. It is located between the store/bathhouse and the spring swim beach area. The group picnic area contains 2 new metal roofed shelters (340 sq. ft. each) with 6 tables in each shelter and 2 pedestal grills. Within the grassy picnic grounds scattered about are 8 interpretive signs, 12 benches (wooden and metal), 16 metal double (2, 55 gallon each) bear proof trash cans bolted to the ground, and 200 feet of wooden fencing. Potable water is available in 2 water fountains and 3 hydrants throughout the facility. There is also an open air cold water shower “pole” for visitors and scuba divers to wash the sand off themselves. There is a separate $48/day fee for renting the group picnic shelter. Day use fees are $6 per person per day.

Spring and Swim Beach Area. Alexander Spring, a 300 foot wide circular bay contains a 7500 sq. ft. 200x 40 foot grass and sand area that can hold approximately 200 visitors at one time. There are 10 buoys delineating the swim area. The beach area is adjacent to the picnic area. A concrete wall approximately 200 feet long and 4 feet high separates the water from the elevated beach. It provides access to the water with two entrances via two sets of 5 steps each into the water. The steps have railings and get slippery with moss during the season.

There is no sand beach and the permit holder will strive to keep turf grass growing throughout the picnic area and up to the concrete wall at the water’s edge (see Table 15). The permit holder will test the swim area water regularly following Florida Administrative Code regulations (see F. Utilities and Waste Management). The permit holder will be required to provide a Red Cross Certified lifeguard at the swimming area from May 15-Sept 15 daily from 10am – 6pm seven days a week.

Canoe Launch. The canoe launch area is approximately 40 feet to the north of the beach area. The 30x30 launch is hardened with a new rubber material that needs little maintenance. Both private canoeist and rental customer launch from here. Although the canoe run takes visitors 7 miles to the take out point at 52 landing most canoeists paddle 1.5 miles from the boil to Ellis Landing at the Highway 445 Bridge and back again to the recreation area. The concessionaire does not provide a haul back service. Billies Bay Wilderness Area borders the run on the north side. An 80 ft. wooden 2 rail painted fence with 2 interpretive signs keeps visitors on the sidewalk from canoe area to the store.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest Timucuan Boardwalk Nature Trail and Fishing Piers. Located just behind the cold water shower pole is the entrance to the ½ mile (2,225 linear ft.) Timucuan Trail. This ½ mile looped boardwalk with wooden railings takes visitors around the edge of the spring and offers 2 fishing platforms/overlooks. A 3x3 interpretive sign marks the entrance or trailhead. This trail will need to be maintained regularly (see Table 14).

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

Table 3. Alexander Springs Recreation Area Complex Facility and Utility Description, Ocala National Forest

ITEM Alexander Springs Campground Alexander Springs Day Use Area Facilities Elevation 30 ft. 30 ft. Operating Season 365 days/year 365 days/year Entrance Station same entrance as day use area station Gated; Staffed daylight savings time 0800-2000; 0800-1800 remainder of year; 600 sq. ft. building with visitor desk, 2 offices, 2 flush toilets; septic and water, telephone Self Service Fee Collection none none Staffing 6; 5 hosts plus area manager 24 hour manager lives on site; certified security guard with mandatory patrol hours; certified life guard Host Sites 6 with electric, water, sewer hookups including none manager site Campsites and Amenities 67/ 4 accessible; each has table, fire ring/grill, none lantern post, site marker, bear food locker; paved sites, curb stops Recreation.gov 39 campsites 2 Day Use Group Picnic Shelters Day Use Parking none 100 spaces, 4 accessible, signs, paved, curb stops, striping Concession/Store none 760 sq. ft. building; rental equipment, firewood, camping supplies, ice, snacks Rental Equip/Services none 36 watercraft - Canoe & kayak rental Educational/Amphitheater/Visitor none 70 seat at day use lot; fair condition Center Trails Scattered throughout campground leading from day 4 trails, 2 trailheads and 1 boat launch; 7 mile canoe trail, ½ use to campground mile Timucuan wooden boardwalk loop, trailhead for Florida Nat’l Scenic Trail and Paisley Bicycle trail to Clearwater Lake Telephone Service None Recreation Area (352-669-3552) Concession Store (352-669-9166) Electric Power Commercial host sites only, bath houses Entrance station, bathhouse, store Propane none none Septic System The septic system is a standard septic tank at each The septic system is a standard septic tank at the bathhouse toilet with a lift system that leads to a leach field and entrance station with a lift system that leads to a leach across SR 19. field across SR 19.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

ITEM Alexander Springs Campground Alexander Springs Day Use Area Facilities RV Sewer Waste Station 1 clean out drain; 1 water non-potable; 1 potable none water Water System Central, Well; Water piped to a central steel Same as campground hydropneumatic tank; water treatment facility Toilet Type/Capacity 4 flush toilet buildings; 3 risers and 2 showers in 1 (1300 sq. ft.) flush toilet building (bathhouse); 6 showers each and 4 stalls in each, electric hot water heaters Shower Buildings In toilet buildings In bathhouse building Garbage Containers Central collection area; 3 dumpsters (10 yard 20 metal double 2 can (55 gal each) bear proof units in each); bear proof required picnic area and parking lot; 6 concrete non bear proof cans at store area to be removed and replaced with bear proof product Gates and Locks Gate at entrance to area None

Bulletin Boards, Interpretive 3 3 panel at bathhouse, 8 of different types throughout day use Signs area Tables and Benches 67 tables 12 round concrete at store (some umbrellas)/10 concrete benches at store; 10 metal tables in parking lot area; 60 single 8 ft. tables picnic area (wood/metal); 16 metal in 2 group shelters; 12 benches (wood and metal) in beach area Fire Rings and Grills 67 fire rings/67 pedestal grills 40 pedestal grills Bear Food Storage Box 67 none Other Facilities Bike racks at toilet buildings 17 concrete 50-200 gallon potted planters at entrance station and store area; 100 ft. concrete pillar/metal fence with sidewalk lights at store, 200 ft. wooden 2 rail fence; 7500 sq. ft. beach; 1200 sq. ft. concrete wall with steps/railings at spring; 30x30 canoe launch with rubber substrate, 10 buoys

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest Table 4. Alexander Springs Recreation Area Complex 2018 Fees, Ocala National Forest

ITEM Quantity Fee 2018 Campground per site per night $24 Extra Vehicle (after 2 vehicles on Per night $8 campsite) Overflow Camping Per vehicle $16.50 RV Sewer Waste Station Per registered camper $8 RV Sewer Waste Station Per non camping guest $10 Shower Per person $6 Group Shelter (day use) per day $48 Overnight Hiker Parking Per vehicle $6 Day Use (scuba divers, boaters, other) Per person $6 Annual Day Use Pass Per person $65.00 Canoe Rental All Day Per canoe all day $42.00 Canoe Rental, 4 hours, no transport Per canoe 4 hours $26.00 Canoe Rental, 2 hours, no transport Per canoe 2 hours $18.00

b. Buck Lake Group Campground Buck Lake Group Campground, elevation 49 feet, is located approximately 15 miles south of the intersection of State Roads 40 and 19 about one mile west of SR19. This is a group camping facility only located on the south end of 9300 acre Bucks Lake in a cabbage palm hammock, pine flatwoods and scrub ecosystem. There is no day use at this site.

The facility that contains an accessible concrete double CXT vault toilet with 2 risers and a concrete sidewalk access, 6 fire rings, 1 group size pedestal grill, 3 metal double (2, 55 gal. each) bear proof garbage bins, 12 individual sites and 12 picnic tables. Potable water is supplied from an accessible hand pump. Trash collection using bear proof containers and recycling is required.

The site holds 50 people at one time and the fee is $75 per site per night. There is an information board with fee information but no iron ranger. The site has a locked pipe gate about a mile from the site and can only be reserved through recreation.gov. The Florida National Scenic Trail travels around the lake (1.7 miles) and past this site. There is no trailhead at the site. There are no host sites. A small natural surface boat ramp with no docks is accessible to small watercraft and a small (20x15) sandy beach provides limited swimming opportunities for guests. Maximum boat motor size is 20 horsepower.

Required length of stay and occupancy limit for the campground includes: • 14 day stay limit • 50 people at one time

This is a fee site managed by the Ocala National Forest. See Tables 5 and 6 for a summary of amenities and fee information. 14

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

Table 5. Forest Service Operated Facility and Utility Description, Ocala National Forest

ITEM Buck Lake Campground Hopkins Prairie Facilities Mill Dam Facilities Elevation 49 ft. 51 ft. 62 ft. Operating Season 365 days/year October 1 – June 1 365 days/year Entrance Station No No 12 x 15 shed with electric, pipe gate Self Service Fee Collection Bulletin board, no fee tube Bulletin board and iron ranger bulletin board and iron ranger at boat ramp Staffing No Yes 2 employees Host Sites None 1 host with sewer hook up 2 with water, sewer, electric; a metal pipe gate, a 240 sq. ft. pole shed and 60 sq. ft. storage shed.

Campsites and Amenities Entire 12 site campground 21 sites; table, fire ring, lantern post picnic area group camping only from considered as 1 group site; holds October 1 to March 15; Day use only 50 PAOT from March 16 to September 30 only Recreation.gov Yes, 1 group site No Yes, for group camping only Day Use Parking No day use; gate prevents public Yes at boat ramp 80 paved, striped spaces with curb stops; from driving to lake 4 accessible spaces at picnic ground; 8 paved spaces at boat trailer parking at ramp Concession/Store No No No Rental Equip/services No No No Educational/Amphitheater/Visitor No No 4 interpretive signs in picnic grounds Center Trails FL National Scenic Trail (1.7 FL National Scenic Trail trailhead with No miles) travels around the lake past bulletin board campground (no trailhead) Telephone Service No No No Electric Power No No Yes Septic System No Host sewer vault, 1000 gallons Host 2 sewer vaults and drain field; Bathhouse septic tank, lift station and drain field; Entrance station septic tank and drain field

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

ITEM Buck Lake Campground Hopkins Prairie Facilities Mill Dam Facilities Water System Accessible hand pump Accessible Hand Pump well housed in 112 sq. ft. building; Steel hydropneumatic storage tank, disinfection equipment, distribution system with 2 hydrants, 1 water fountain Toilet Type/Capacity 1 double CXT; 2250 gallon vault 1 double CXT; 2250 gallon vault 1 single vault, wood at ramp; 500 sq. ft. flush toilet with 2 stalls women room and 1 stall men; 2 separate changing rooms on back of building; entrance station restroom Shower Buildings No No No Garbage Containers 3 metal double units, bear proof, 9 metal double units, bear proof, 2- 55 9 metal double units, bear proof, 55 gal 2-55 gal cans each gal each each can in picnic ground; 1 of same at boat ramp; 1 10 yd. metal at host site Gates and Locks Metal pipe gate and lock at Metal pipe gate and lock at entrance 2, metal pipe gate and lock at entrance entrance and host sites Bulletin Boards 1 bulletin board with fee and 1 at entrance station; 1 at trailhead 2 large 4x8 with roof wood boards with regulations posted interpretive posters in picnic grounds Tables and Benches 12 tables 21 tables 20 picnic tables, 4 benches, Fire Rings and Grills 6 fire rings and 1 pedestal grill 21 fire rings, 21 pedestal grills 33 pedestal grills and 2 group fire rings Other Facilities Natural surface boat ramp for 21 lantern posts; 1500 sq. ft. concrete 435 sq. ft. group picnic shelter, 6 Buoys non-motorized watercraft; 20 boat ramp, no dock, 10 horsepower in swim area; 1000 lin. Ft. wood rail horsepower motor limit; small limit fence; 200x40 ft. swim beach; 8 ft. sand beach retaining wall and stairs to beach area; 1800 sq. ft. paved boat ramp (no dock)

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

Table 6. Forest Service Facility 2018 Fees, Ocala National Forest

ITEM Quantity Fee 2018 Buck Lake Group Campground (50 PAOT) Per site per night $50 Hopkins Prairie (Oct 1-June1) Campground Per site per night $10 Day Use, Boat Ramp Per person $2 Mill Dam Camping Per site per night $50-75 Day Use (Picnic Ground, Beach) Per person $2 Boat Ramp Per vehicle per day $2

c. Clearwater Lake Recreation Area Complex Clearwater Lake Recreation Area, elevation 65 feet, sits on 32 acre Clearwater Lake and is located on the southeastern edge of the Ocala National Forest approximately 6 miles east of the town of Altoona, FL and 1/4 mile north of State Road 42. The Seminole State Forest borders the southern edge of the forest and lies just south of SR 42 near Clearwater Lake. The area has been under USDA Forest Service administration since construction of the facilities in the 1960’s. A longleaf pine forest and wiregrass ecosystem surrounds the 32 surface acre lake and provides a beautiful, shaded, wooded setting for the facility.

Swimming, small watercraft boating, picnicking, hiking, bicycling and camping are the recreation activities offered at Clearwater Lake. The complex consists of overnight and day use facilities which include a 42 unit campground in two loops, 2 bathhouses with hot showers, 50 x 30 f.t sand swim beach, picnic area, RV Sewer Waste Station and 3 hiking/bicycling trails. An entrance station with a small 5x5 wood building and metal gate is located at the entrance to the complex. Bathhouses were renovated in 2010. The concessionaire rents 6 canoes at this facility as well as sells ice and firewood.

All of the roads, campground loops and camping pads are asphalt paved and in fair condition. The water system consists of a well with a submersible pump housed in a 100 sq. ft. concrete block building, a steel hydropneumatic storage tank, concrete storage reservoir, disinfection equipment, and distribution system. There are 7 hydrants throughout the campground. The septic system consist of a lift station at each of the bathhouses to a common drain field. There are 10 metal double bear proof garbage containers (2 cans/55 gal. each) and 1 metal bear proof 10 yard dumpster. Trash collection using bear proof containers and recycling is required.

There are 3 host sites offering electric, water and sewer hookups located at the entrance booth. There is telephone service at this site and the number is 352-669-0078.

The entire complex is a fee area operated under a concessionaire. There are separate fees for the campground and day use area. See Table 7 for site and utility descriptions and Table 8 for fees charged in 2018.

Special Requirements of the permit holder authorized to operate and manage the facilities at the Clearwater Lake Recreation Area Complex include the following:

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

Required length of stay and occupancy limit for the campground includes: • 14 day stay limit • Each campsite may hold a maximum of 2 vehicles, and 5 people.

Beach Maintenance. The beach sand will need to be maintained regularly (see Table 15) and the water tested regularly (see F. Utilities and Waste Management).

Family Campground The campground at Clearwater Lake Recreation Area contains 42 campsites in two paved loops; 4 sites are accessible. Each campsite has a table, pedestal grill, fire-ring, wooden site marker post, and lantern post. There are no hookups at this campground. All campsites at this campground are on the reservation system (https://www.recreation.gov). A fee of $23 site/night is charged for a single family campsite and $16.50 for overflow camping. Each campsite may hold a maximum of 2 vehicles, and 5 people.

There is one 3000 sq. ft. bathhouse in the campground with 3 hot showers, 3 toilets, and 2 sinks per side.

There are 18 metal, double bear proof trash containers (2, 55 gal cans each) scattered through the campground. Trash collection using bear proof containers and recycling is required.

RV Sewer Waste Station The RV Sewer Waste Station is located at the campground near the campground exit. It contains a holding tank and lift station to the central drain field. A clean out drain and hose for cleanup is available. Potable drinking water is supplied to refill RV water tanks. The fee for a single use is $8 for campers and $10 for guests.

Day Use Picnic and Swim Beach Area The day use picnic area and beach contains a paved, striped parking lot with 25 spaces and a 1200 sq. ft. bathhouse with 2 hot showers, 3 flush toilets, and 2 sinks per side. There are 16 picnic tables and 8 pedestal grills, 50 linear ft. of wood fence, 3 metal double bear proof (2, 55 gal. cans) trash containers, 10 buoys and a life ring and stand. The 50x30 ft. sand and grass beach has no life guard and is in need of eradicating the grass and weeds and sand maintenance. Regular defined beach maintenance is required. A wooden canoe rack near the beach holds 6 rental watercraft.

Trails and Trailheads Hikers enjoy the 1.3 mile Clearwater Lake Loop trail that begins and end at the beach and circles the lake. This permit holder is required to maintain the trail (see Table 14). A joint trailhead for 18

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest the Florida National Scenic Trail and Paisley Woods Mtn. Bike trail is located about ¼ mile from the complex entrance. This trailhead will be the responsibility of the concessionaire and includes a small native surface mowed area for parking up to 5 vehicles and a wooden 4x8 bulletin board. The Paisley Woods 22 mile, 2 loop trail connects visitors to the Alexander Springs Recreation Complex. A $6 fee/vehicle is charged to overnight hikers. Maintenance of the Florida National Scenic Trail and Paisley Woods Bike Trail is not the responsibility of the concessionaire.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

Table 7. Clearwater Lake Recreation Area Complex Facility and Utility Description, Ocala National Forest

ITEM Clearwater Lake Campground Clearwater Lake Day Use Area Facilities Elevation 65 f.t 65 ft. Operating Season 365 days/year 365 days/year Entrance Station 5x5 wooden shed, gate Same station as the campground Self Service Fee Collection No No Staffing 3 hosts Campground hosts Host Sites 3 with electric, water, sewer No hookups Campsites and Amenities 42/ 4 accessible; each has table, No fire ring pedestal grill, lantern post, site marker; paved Recreation.gov 42 campsites No Day Use Parking No 25 spaces, 4 accessible, signs, paved, curb stops, striping Concession/Store ice, firewood, firewood shed No Rental Equip/Services No 6 canoes for rent Educational/Amphitheater/Visitor No 2 interpretive signs at the trailhead Center Trails None 3; 1.3 mile lake loop, 1 shared trailhead for Florida Nat’l Scenic Trail and Paisley Woods bicycle trail Telephone Service 352-669-0078 same Electric Power Commercial; 3 host sites No Septic System Central drain field for complex; Bathhouse has lift station to carry effluent to central drain field lift station houses at each toilet RV Sewer Waste Station 1 clean out drain, 1 non-potable none water, 1 potable water Water System 7 hydrants, Well, Steel 0 hydrants hydropneumatic storage tank, concrete storage reservoir, disinfection equipment, distribution system Toilet Type/Capacity 3000 sq. ft. flush toilet 1200 sq. ft. flush toilet bathhouse with 2 hot showers and 2 toilets bathhouse with 3 hot showers and 2 toilets

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

ITEM Clearwater Lake Campground Clearwater Lake Day Use Area Facilities Shower Buildings 1 hot water 1 hot water Garbage Containers 18 metal double bear proof (2, 3 metal double bear proof (2, 55 gal. cans each) 55 gal. cans each); 1 10 yd. dumpster Gates and Locks 2, metal pipe gate at entrance No station & road to septic system Bulletin Boards No No Tables and Benches 42/0 16 single 8 ft. tables; 3 benches Fire Rings and Grills 42 fire rings and 42 pedestal 8 pedestal grills grills Other Facilities 5x10 open shelter for firewood Flotation ring on post in beach area, wood shed, canoe rack for 6 watercraft, 10 buoys; 50 linear ft. of wood fence; 30x50 swim beach in need of grass eradication

Table 8. Clearwater Lake Recreation Area Complex 2018 Fees, Ocala National Forest

ITEM Quantity Fee 2018 Campground per site per night $23 Extra Vehicle (after 2 vehicles on campsite) Per night $8 Overflow Camping Per vehicle $16.50 RV Sewer Waste Station Per registered camper $8 RV Sewer Waste Station Per non camping $10 guest Shower Per person $6.50 Canoe Rental Per canoe per day $42.00 Canoe Rental 4 hrs Per canoe per 4 hours $26.00 Canoe Rental 2 hrs Per canoe per 2 hours $18.00 Overnight Hiker Parking Per vehicle $6 Day Use Per person $6 Annual Day Use Pass Per person $65.00

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest d. Hopkins Prairie Campground & Day Use Area Hopkins Prairie Campground and day use area, elevation 51 feet, is located approximately 10 miles north of the intersection of State Roads 40 and 19 then 5 miles east of SR19 on CR50. There is a series of shallow, marshy lakes at this site and boat motors are limited to 10 horsepower. This site contains a self-service fee station with an iron ranger located at the entrance, a 1500 sq. ft. concrete boat ramp (no dock), 1 host site with a septic tank, one double CXT vault toilet with 2 risers, 21 sites with fire rings, pedestal grills and lantern posts, and 9 metal double bear proof garbage cans (2, 55 gallon cans each).

The roads and camping sites are native materials. There is one accessible hand pump for water. The site also contains a trailhead with a bulletin board for the Florida National Scenic Trail. The permit holder would be responsible for litter pick up and bulletin board repairs at the trailhead.

Required length of stay for the campground and occupancy limit includes: • 14 day stay limit • Each campsite may hold a maximum of 2 vehicles, and 5 people.

This site is currently closed June 2 – September 30 but could be operated year round. Fees in 2018 (8 months) were $10/site/night and $2 per person for day use and total revenue for 2018 was $4,196. This site is operated by the Ocala National Forest. See Tables 5 and 6 above for a summary of amenities and fee information.

e. Juniper Springs Recreation Area Complex Juniper Springs Recreation Area Complex, elevation 43 feet, is centrally located in the forest on State Road 40 approximately 4 miles west of the intersection of State Road 40 and 19. Juniper Springs is the most heavily visited recreation facility in the National Forests of Florida. Juniper Prairie Wilderness is adjacent to the north and east sides of Juniper Springs Recreation Area Complex. The Civilian Conservation Corps initially constructed the facilities in the 1930’s and the area has been under USDA Forest Service administration since that time. It is one of the oldest and best known National Forest recreation areas in the eastern United States and includes a millhouse with a working water wheel on a crystal clear spring. The unique subtropical vegetation surrounding the complex includes hardwood swamps, palms and sand ridges.

Juniper Spring and Fern Hammock Spring located within the recreation area have a combined daily flow of 13 million gallons per day and maintain a constant 72 degrees year round. Juniper Springs, the focal point within the Juniper Springs Recreation Area Complex is a 100 foot wide freshwater spring surrounded by a stone wall. Juniper Springs Run, a primary recreational attraction originates at the spring and is a popular start for canoeists who paddle northeast 7 miles through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness Area to the take out at Juniper Wayside on State Road 19. From this take out point Juniper Run continues on to Lake George. Fern Hammock Spring does not allow swimming or boating and is in a natural state.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest Swimming, canoeing and camping are the 3 most popular activates in this complex. Other day use opportunities include both family and group picnicking, visiting the Millhouse Interpretive building, hiking the ½ mile wood boardwalk nature trail and accessing the Florida National Scenic Trail from the trailhead. A concession area offering food, camping supplies and canoe/kayak rental and watercraft rehaul transport services support visitor activities in the complex.

Juniper Springs Recreation Area Complex is a highly developed site containing a 78 unit, 3 loop campground (no hookups) with hot shower facilities, an amphitheater and 1 RV Sewer Waste Station. Day use facilities include an entrance fee station, 100 space paved day use parking area, amphitheater, picnic area (24 picnic tables/12 grills), 4 picnic shelters (24 tables/8 pedestal grills) including a modern 1200 sq. ft. shelter, swimming area at the spring, a bathhouse (6 hot showers, 4 toilets each), concession building (canoe rental and camping supplies), canoe launch, Juniper Springs Nature Trail (boardwalks, signs, overlooks), and a trailhead for the Florida National Scenic Trail. See Table 9 for a summary of facility and utility descriptions.

The entire complex is a fee area and there are separate fees for the campground and day use area. Fees charged in 2018 are listed in Table 10.

Special Requirements of the permit holder authorized to operate and manage the facilities at the Juniper Springs Recreation Area Complex include the following:

Potted Plant and flower garden Maintenance. The permit holder will be responsible for the care and maintenance of the 8 (50-200 gallon) potted planters around the concession building and entrance station and on the grounds near the buildings. Costs for purchase, planting and care of new plants will be the responsibility of the permit holder. Native plants are required for all new plantings with exceptions considered with written Forest Service approval for areas where turf grass is needed. Currently, the plants in these containers are mostly non-native and in poor condition and appearance and need to be replaced the first year of the permit.

Required length of stay and occupancy limit for the campground includes: • 14 day stay limit • Each campsite may hold a maximum of 2 vehicles, and 5 people.

Staffing. • No life guard is needed. • An onsite manager will be available 24 hours a day and reside at Juniper Springs Recreation complex in the designated manager host campsite. • On-site law enforcement presence in the form of a Class D certified private security guard or Lake County Sheriff law enforcement officer is to be present when the 23

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest campground capacity is 75% or higher. The security officer will patrol the campground from 2000 to 0200.

Telephone Service. The permit holder will be required to maintain and assume all associated costs for the current landline telephone numbers at Juniper Springs Recreation Area (352-625- 3147) and the Concession Store (352-625-2808).

Limits on Canoe Rental. The permit holder will provide a maximum of 60 canoes or kayaks or a combination of these for public rental per day and allow a maximum of 35 private canoes to be launched from the recreation area per day year round. Ten water craft are launched each half hour from 0700-noon each day to prevent crowding on the run. Watercraft launching is allowed until noon only each day to ensure visitors have time to arrive at Juniper Wayside take out before 4:30 (last shuttle). No additional watercraft will be allowed for rental in the new permit.

National Register of Historic Places Eligible Structures. The following structures are eligible under the National Heritage Protection Act (1966): Mill House, Limestone Footpath Bridge, Limestone BBQ pit, Limestone-lined swimming area, and three wooden pavilions. Any work on a historic structure requires consultation with the Forest Heritage Program Manager (archaeologist) before any maintenance is undertaken. Further, just because there are no listed historic structures on sites, there may be subsurface features that also need to be accounted for and protected. No ground disturbing activities may be conducted on any Federal property without first consulting the Forest Heritage Program Manager.

Family Campground The campground at Juniper Springs Recreation Area contains three loops with 78 single family campsites of which 4 are accessible, 34 are pull through sites and 18 are tent only. Fern Hammock loop has a 15x25 wooden log shelter and a 70 seat amphitheater both in fair to poor condition. Each campsite has a table, grill, fire-ring, site marker (wood or carsonite), and lantern post. There are bear food storage boxes in 45 sites. There is one bulletin board. There are no hookups at this campground. All campsites at this campground are on the reservation system (https://www.recreation.gov). A fee of $24/site/night is charged for a single family campsite and $16.50/night for overflow camping. See Table 10 for other fee charges.

All roads and camping pads are paved. There is one gate at the entrance to each loop. Potable water is supplied from a well housed in a 200 sq. ft. pump house. The water system consists of a steel hydropneumatic storage tank, concrete storage reservoir, disinfection equipment, and distribution system with 17 hydrants.

There are three accessible flush toilet buildings (approximately 1200 sq. ft. each) with hot showers located in each loop. One building has 2 showers at the back of the building and 2 toilet stalls and 2 sinks with mirrors and electric outlets at the front. Two buildings contain 3 hot showers, 3 stalls and 2 sinks with mirrors and electric outlets on each side. There are dish wash stations at these buildings. Hot water heaters are fueled by electric. There is a central septic system with lift pumps (commercial electric) at each bathhouse.

Trash collection using bear proof containers and recycling is required. There are no individual trash containers in the campground. A central garbage collection area includes 3 dumpsters (10 yard) and is located near the RV Waste Station.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest There are 9 host sites in one central location including the manager site all providing water, sewer and electric hookups.

Amphitheater and Log Shelter. There is an amphitheater located near the bathhouse in the Fern Hammock camping loop. A 15x25 wooden log shelter in fair condition is adjacent to the amphitheater. The amphitheater has the capacity to hold 60-70 visitors. This facility is in fair to poor condition and contains 18 wooden benches arranged in 3 rows facing a framed 4x4 plywood projector screen. A post with electricity and a makeshift stand to hold a project is present. The amphitheater has not been used very often. Health and safety items would need to be addressed before the public is invited to use the facility. In the future the forest would like to see regularly scheduled guest speakers and programs.

Entrance Fee Station and Trailhead Parking The entrance fee station is a 25x15 foot (350 sq. ft.) wood building with 1 accessible flush toilet, office/storage area and small visitor area with a counter with a drive up window. Utilities include electricity, air conditioning, satellite dish, telephone service, running water from a central system and septic with lift station to a central drain field, a flagpole and regulatory and directional signs. To the right of the station is a paved and striped parking lot that offers 3 trailer rig parking spaces. All the entrance roads to and within this facility are paved with asphalt. Line striping delineates two lanes for vehicles to stop to pay fees or bypass the station.

The parking area/trailhead for the Florida National Scenic trail is located between Highway 40 and the entrance station. Overnight users of the trailhead pay $6/night. The trailhead, maintained by the concessionaire, contains a bulletin board and a native surface parking area for up to a vehicles.

Day Use Picnic Area, Spring Swim Area, Millhouse, Canoe Launch Parking Lot. The day use area parking lot is a paved loop with 100 parking spaces on either side of the loop. Parking is delineated with curb stops and line striping. There are 4 accessible spaces with signing and painted symbols on the lot. Camping guests park their vehicles in this lot for a fee of $8 per night. Approximately 3 picnic tables are scattered inside and outside the loop and 5 metal double bear proof garbage cans (2, 55 gallon cans) are bolted to the ground and located around the parking lot. Two large 10 yard trash dumpers are located between the lot and concession area. Trash collection using bear proof containers and recycling is required.

Canoe Storage Area. Between the day use parking lot and the highly developed concession area is a sandy wide walkway about 50 linear ft. long and a car width wide. There are racks containing the rental kayaks and canoes on either side of the walkway. Approximately 40-50 watercraft can be stored on these racks. A small wooden 10x12 building/shed holds life jackets and paddles. There is a closed metal bar gate that visitors walk around to access the concession area.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest Spring and Millhouse. Past the highly developed concession area is the Juniper Spring swim area and adjoining Millhouse. Juniper Spring is a 100 f.t round area enclosed with a 3 foot native stone wall (4000 cubic ft.). Terraces lounge (3 levels) areas surround the water and 2 areas with stone steps and railing access the pool. The 25x20 Millhouse structure (550 sq. ft.) has a working water wheel that churns loudly with the water coming off the pool. The Millhouse log structure is 2 story log barn structure and contains 6-8 interpretive signs on the interior walls. Wooden and metal benches and railings lead to the entrance.

Canoe Launch. The canoe launch area is located across from the Millhouse building. Concrete and wood sidewalks lead visitors around the spring swim area to the launch. The 10 ft. wide x 30 ft. long wooden board walk forms a pier like structure over the creek for safe access to sit into a watercraft. A wooden elevated “shoot” along the right side of this walkway allows visitors to scoot the watercraft toward the water without damaging the boardwalk or themselves. Both private canoeist and rental customer launch from here. Launching is controlled and there are set amounts of the number of watercraft that launch at one time and daily, the time between launches and last launch of the day (see Juniper Run information below).

Picnic Area. The day use picnic area offers both single family and group facilities. The single family area is comprised of 24 picnic tables, 8 benches and 12 pedestal grills. It is located in a semicircle between the store/bathhouse and the canoe launch around Juniper Spring swim area. The group picnic area contains 3 new 700 sq. ft. metal roofed shelters with 6 tables and 2 pedestal grills in each. These shelters can be reserved. Within the grassy picnic grounds scattered about are 5 interpretive signs, 8 metal double bear proof cans (2, 55 gallon cans each) bolted to the ground, and 350 linear feet of wooden fence. There is a separate $48/day fee for renting the group picnic shelter. Day use fees are $6 per person per day.

Concession Store, Bathhouse, Picnic Shelter, Patio Area Between the parking lot and the Juniper Spring is a highly developed concrete paved area that contains the 3000 sq. ft. 35x85 concrete block concession store and bathhouse under one roof and a separate 1200 sq. ft. roofed, concrete open air picnic shelter that can be reserved. The patio area is surrounded by concrete pillars with sidewalk lights and between these pillars panels of metal fencing and 2 rail round metal fencing. Covering one third of the patio area is a 25x40 open air wood and metal shade pagoda, approximately 8 huge 50-200 gallon concrete planters, 12 round concrete picnic tables some with umbrellas and 10 concrete benches. The current 6 concrete trash cans near the store and bathhouse will need to be replaced with bear proof containers the first year of the permit to reduce the smell of garbage that is attracting the bears to the facility. Bear proof trash containers and recycling are required.

Bathhouse. The bathhouse, a 35 ft. x40 ft. concrete block building with a metal roof contains separate men’s and women’s restroom and shower amenities. Each side has 6 hot water showers and 4 stalls (3 in men’s with a urinal) and 2 sink with mirrors. The water is heated by electric water heaters (50 gallons). The water is from a central well in the complex. The septic system for the bathhouse has a lift station that carries the effluent to a holding tank and central drain field.

Concession Store. The store sits directly across from and faces the bathhouse. They share a roof that forms a covered walkway between them. It is a 25x40 concrete block building with a metal roof and offers prepackaged food, limited snacks, drinks, camping supplies and beach toys. A

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest small area in the corner of the store is set up to give interpretive programs to kids and seats about 6 kids at one time. The store has an office and small storage room.

Picnic Shelter. Adjacent to the Bathhouse on the patio is a separate 1200 sq. ft. building with a green metal roof that is a picnic shelter. The shelter can be reserved for $48/day and holds 100 people at one time offering 6 large picnic tables and several benches.

Juniper Springs .75 mile Nature Trail Located just behind the Millhouse is the entrance to the wooden boardwalk nature trail. This .75 mile looped boardwalk, 6 ft. wide with wooden railings takes visitors through a beautiful tropical forest and offers 3 fishing platforms/overlooks and 6 interpretive signs along Juniper Run. This trail will need to be maintained regularly by the permit holder (see Table 14).

Juniper Creek 7 mile Water Trail The canoe trip from Juniper Springs Recreation Area to the Highway 19 Bridge is 7 miles long and flows through the heart of the Juniper Prairie Wilderness so per wilderness area regulations only non-motorized watercraft are allowed which includes canoes, kayaks and water boards. The first 2.5 miles of the run are narrow and winding with a channel no wider than 6 feet. The average trip is 4-5 hours.

The concessionaire provides a haul back service for $10 each. The permit holder will provide a maximum of 60 canoes for public rental per day and allow a maximum of 35 private canoes to be launched from the recreation area per day from April 1 to September 30. Ten watercraft every ½ hour are released on the run and the last launch is at noon. The last rehaul service from Juniper Wayside area is 4:30 pm. Food, drinks, music boxes and pets are not allowed on the run. The permit holder is responsible for daily litter pickup and hazard tree checks on the 7 mile run (see Table 14).

f. Juniper Wayside Canoe Take Out The Juniper Wayside Canoe Take Out is located on the east side of State Road 19 just south of the highway bridge over Juniper Springs Run approximately 4 miles north of the intersection of State Roads 40 and 19. This paved parking area is the take out point for canoe and kayakers who began their 7 mile journey from the Juniper Springs Recreation Area Complex. The site is also used as a rest stop for travelers on State Road 19 and the vault toilet is heavily used.

The day use area was renovated in 2015 and contains a paved, striped parking lot with 14 spaces, a 650 sq. ft. paved ramp and handrail access to deck over the water, a 10 x 20 wood deck over water for takeout, 1 single CXT vault toilet and 2 metal, double bear proof trash containers (2, 55 gallon cans each). The vault toilet needs a new door, door frame, and lock/door handle and riser as it has sustained vandalism (fall 2018 inspection). This area is not a fee site at this time but the permit holder at Juniper Springs Recreation Complex charges a $10/transport fee to private canoeists who need a ride back to the complex to retrieve their vehicles. This site could be a fee area in the new permit. See Table 9 for a site descriptions.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

Table 9. Juniper Springs Recreation Area Complex Facility and Utility Description, Ocala National Forest

ITEM Juniper Springs Campground Juniper Springs Day Use Area Juniper Wayside Day Use Area Elevation 43 ft. 43 ft. 40 ft. Operating Season 365 days/year 365 days/year 365 days/year Entrance Station 350 sq. ft. building with flush toilet, Same station as campground No office, visitor area Self Service Fee Collection No No No Staffing Area manager, security guard No Life Guard is required No required Host Sites 9 with electric, water, sewer No No Campsites and Amenities 78 sites; 4 accessible;18 tent only; No No 34 pull thru Recreation.gov 40 sites No No Day Use Parking No 100 paved spaces with curb stops/striping, 14 paved, striped spaces; 4 4 accessible spaces accessible Concession/Store No 1500 sq. ft. building for snacks, ice, No firewood, camping supplies, swim supplies, rental equip. Rental Equip/Services No 60 Canoes and Kayaks total permitted to No rent; reservation of watercraft recommended Educational/Amphitheater/Visitor Amphitheater seats 70 550 sq. ft. Millhouse building with 6-8 No Center interpretive signs inside Trails Scattered throughout campground 3; Trailhead for FL National Scenic Trail Take out for Juniper Run Trail from day use to campground outside complex, .75 mile wooden boardwalk nature trail; 7 mile Juniper Run Cree; all fee areas Telephone Service 352-625-3147 352-625-2808 No Electric Power Yes Yes No Propane No No No Septic System Central system; lift stations at toilets Central system with lift station No RV Sewer Waste Station 1 clean out drain, 1not potable none none water, 1 potable water

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

ITEM Juniper Springs Campground Juniper Springs Day Use Area Juniper Wayside Day Use Area Water System Well, 1 central system; Steel Uses campground water system; 3 No hydropneumatic storage tank, hydrants concrete storage reservoir, disinfection equipment, distribution system with 17 hydrants Toilet Type/Capacity 1 flush building with 2 stalls and 2 1 bathhouse with 6 showers and 4 stalls 1 single CXT vault toilet in fair-poor showers in back; for men and women condition due to vandalism; heavily 2 flush buildings with 3 showers used as a rest stop off Highway 19 and 3 stalls inside Shower Buildings 3 1 No Garbage Containers 3, 10 yard dumpsters 2,10 yard dumpsters plus 12 metal, double 2 metal double bear proof; 2, 55 gal bear proof cans scattered around site and cans each parking lot; 6 concrete containers need to be replaced with bear proof containers Gates and Locks 4 metal pipe gates 1 metal pipe gate No Bulletin Boards, Interpretive 8-10 signs around day use site and on No Signs boardwalk trail Tables and Benches 78 24 tables single sites; 24 tables total at 4 No group shelters Fire Rings and Grills 78 12 pedestal grills; 8 grills at group No shelters Bear Food Storage Box 45 No No Other Facilities Dish wash stations at flush toilet 1200 sq. ft. modern picnic shelter on patio 2014 new; 650 sq. ft. concrete buildings area; 8 concrete 50-200 gallon potted ramped walkway to creek; 200 sq. ft. NRHP Eligible structures planters at store area; 3, 700 sq. ft. group wood platform over creek for take include: Mill House, Limestone picnic shelters, 80 ft. concrete pillar/metal out Footpath Bridge, Limestone fence with sidewalk lights at store, 50 ft. metal 2 rail fence; 4000 cu. ft. circular 3 BBQ pit, Limestone-lined ft. high native stone wall with swimming area, and three steps/railings at spring, 35x10 canoe wooden pavilions. launch; 10x12 wood shed

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

Table 10. Juniper Springs Recreation Area Complex 2018 Fees, Ocala National Forest

ITEM Quantity Fee 2018 Gross Revenue 2018 Campground + Reservations (Tropic, per site per night $21 $176,047 Sandpine, Fern Hammock loops) Extra Vehicle Per night $5 $0 not reported Overflow Parking Per vehicle $12 $0 not reported RV Sewer Waste Station Per registered camper free $0 not reported RV Sewer Waste Station Per non camping guest $7 $0 not reported Shower Per person free $0 not reported Group Shelter (day use) per day ? $0 not reported Overnight Hiker Parking Per vehicle ? $0 not reported Day Use Per person $5 $258,856 Annual Day Use Pass Per person $60 $ 4,723 Canoe Rental All Day, transport Per canoe all day $35 $174,294 Canoe, private transport Per canoe $10 Combined in above Kayak, tandem, transport Per kayak $47 Combined in above Firewood Per bundle $6.50 $40,207 Ice Per bag market $6,929 Store Sales + Vending $108,219

g. Mill Dam Day Use Area, Boat Ramp, Group Camping Mill Dam recreation site is located approximately 5 miles east of the intersection of State Roads 40 and 19 then north ½ mile off FSR 79. Mill Dam Lake, a 400 acre lake is designed for day use recreational activities and offers visitors a picnic area including group picnic shelter and fire rings, a 13,850 sq. ft. 40x300 foot sand swim beach, a flush toilet bathhouse, and in a separate area a boat launch with parking and a single vault toilet. There is a 185 sq. ft. entrance station with electricity and a metal pipe gate.

The picnic ground/swim beach areas are adjacent and include one 500 sq. ft. bathhouse with 3 flush toilets (2 in the women and 1 in men) and separate changing rooms at the back of the building, a 112 sq. ft. wooden pump house houses a well with a steel hydropneumatic storage tank, disinfection equipment, distribution system, there are 2 hydrants and a water fountain, one 435 sq. ft. group picnic shelter, 20 picnic tables, 4 benches, 33 pedestal grills and 2 group fire rings all situated in a beautiful shaded grassy area above the beach. A wooden rail fence totaling 1000 linear ft. delineates the picnic ground from a wooden well house and thicker trees and vegetation to the sides of the picnic area.

The beach sand will need to be maintained regularly (see Table 15) and the water tested regularly (see F. Utilities and Waste Management).

The septic system consist of holding tanks and drain fields at the host sites, at the entrance station and at the picnic area bathhouse area. There are 9 metal double bear proof trash cans (2 cans/55 gal each) scattered throughout the site. There are 2 4x8 wooden interpretive bulletin boards inside the picnic area. An 8 foot wooden “sea wall” has one set of stairs leading to the 30

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest sandy beach off one end of the picnic grounds. Required beach maintenance includes adjusting and maintaining the 6 swim area buoys as needed, rototilling or plowing the sand at least once a week and adding 2-10 yard dump trucks of sand every other year (see Table 15).

There is a 12x15 foot shed that serves as an entrance station and has electricity and a toilet. A gate is located nearby to close the area to all but group camping reservations in the nonpeak season. All roads to and within the facility are paved. An 80 parking space lot with 4 accessible sites serves the picnic ground/beach. The boat ramp area contains a single vault toilet, one metal double bear proof trash cans (2 cans/55 gal each), 1800 sq. ft. paved ramp, and an 8 space paved parking lot and regulatory signing.

There are 2 host sites with water, sewer and electric hookups adjacent to the picnic ground parking lot. The host sites also have a metal pipe gate, a 240 sq. ft. pole shed and 60 sq. ft. storage shed.

The day use area is offered as a group camping area for tents by reservation only in the nonpeak season from October 1 to March 15. Group camping total capacity is 150 PAOT and fees are charged differently for 1-99 people and 100-150 people. Day use only with no camping is from March 16 to September 30. Fees in 2018 were $50 (1-99 people) and $75 (100-150 people)/site/night and $2 per person for the day use area and boat ramp and total revenue for 2018 was $1,855. This is a fee site managed by the Ocala National Forest. See Tables 5 and 6 for a summary of amenities and fee information.

Required length of stay and occupancy limit for the campground includes: • 14 day stay limit • Maximum capacity of 150 PAOT

h. Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area, elevation 20 feet, is located on the eastern edge of the Ocala National Forest off State Road 19 approximately 6 miles north of the intersection of State Roads 40 and 19. Located on the western shore of Lake George the 7 acre Silver Glen Spring Recreation Area is bordered by private land to the south while the Juniper Prairie Wilderness is located just across State Road 19 to the west. The area, privately developed, has been under USDA Forest Service administration since 1990. The spring releases 65 million gallons of fresh water per day and a lush subtropical forest ecosystem surrounds the spring that is described as the most beautiful spring on the Ocala National Forest. It is here where Jody, from the book “The Yearling” fell asleep watching the hypnotic action of the “flutter mill” that he had built in the water.

There are no overnight camping facilities for the public. Day use facilities support swimming, picnicking, and hiking activities. The complex consists of an entrance station, concession store with canoe rentals, 5 interpretive signs, 3 4x8 bulletin boards, 6 chemical portable toilets, swim area, picnic area (58 tables/20 grills), 1 trailhead for the Lake George Trail and 2 hiking trails.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest Hikers use the .75 mile Spring Boils Trail and 2 mile roundtrip Lake George Trail. Both are fee sites within this complex.

Portable toilets totaling 6 (2 accessible) will be required from May 1 to September 15 and 2 (1 accessible) from September 16 to April 30. Rental and servicing of the portable toilets will be the responsibility of the permit holder. Trash collection using bear proof containers and recycling is required. There are 20 metal double bear proof trash containers (2, 55 gal each) scattered throughout the picnic area and a central garbage collection area with 1 dumpster (10 yard) located near the host sites just off the day use parking lot.

On site 24 hour security and management is required. Host housing consists of 3 RV sites with water, sewer and electric hookups. One of the host sites is reserved for a Forest Service volunteer.

New construction and soil disturbance is prohibited at Silver Glenn Springs due to concentrated and valuable heritage sites. Therefore, camp sites, vault toilets and/or flush toilet facilities have not been constructed and added to the area. Silver Glenn Springs Recreation Area facilities are less developed than the other recreation areas in the offering having communal changing areas in a converted shed, portable toilets, no concrete stairs or hardened surfaces for walking, and a small store with prepackaged food.

The water system consists of a well with a submersible pump, a steel hydropneumatic storage tank, disinfection equipment and distribution system with 3 hydrants that services only the host sites. There is a 120 sq. ft. wooden pump house. The septic system consists of holding tanks at the host sites that gravity feed the effluent to a drain field nearby.

The entire complex is a fee area and there are separate fees for the campground and day use area. Fees charged in 2018 are listed in Table 11. See Table 12 for a summary of facility and utility descriptions for Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area and Wildcat Day Use Area.

Special Requirements of the permit holder authorized to operate and manage the facilities at the Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area include the following:

Entrance Station Operation. The permit holder will be required to operate the Entrance Station at a minimum staffed year round from 0800-2000 Sat/Sun/Holidays and from 1000-1800 during daylight savings time Mon-Fri and from 1000 to 1800 outside of daylight saving time.

Portable Toilets. Portable toilets totaling 6 (2 accessible) will be required from May 1 to September 15 and 2 (1 accessible) from September 16 to April 30. Rental and servicing of the portable toilets will be the responsibility of the permit holder.

Trail Maintenance. The permit holder will be responsible for maintaining the .75 mile natural surface Spring Boils trail and the Lake George trail (see Table 14).

Motorized and Wheeled Vehicle Regulation. Due to erosive soils and to reduce damage to heritage sites and the spring all motorized vehicles (including golf carts) will not be allowed on the trails and walkways beyond the store. Garbage will need to be managed at the picnic area so it can be removed from the containers more often and with non-motorized methods. The permit

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest holder can propose different garbage collection methods; for example placing a central dumpster at the store and no containers or very few at the lounging areas.

Swim Area and Beach. There is no beach, only grass in the lounging area adjacent to the spring/water. The permit holder will strive to maintain the vegetation along the spring shoreline to help prevent the spring from filling in with sand.

Launch Regulations. There are no restrictions on the number of watercraft that can launch per day from this facility for either the concession rental program or the general public. Only non- motorized watercraft are allowed to launch. The current permit holder rents 12 canoes and kayaks (mostly canoes). Future restrictions may be applied based on resource protection needs and restoration activities. No additional watercraft will be allowed for rental in the new permit.

Entrance Fee Station and Parking Lot The entrance station is 52 sq. ft. wooden shed with a drive up window and stop sign and has no utilities. It sits at the entrance to the day use area. The permit holder has required staffing for the booth described above. Visitors pay day use fees at the store or self service bulletin board and iron ranger adjacent to the store when the booth is not staffed. Signs at the canoe launch direct visitors entering the site from the water to pay the day use fee at the store area.

The parking lot is a native sand and grass and holds 90-100 vehicles. There are 2 metal double bear proof trash containers (2, 55 gallons each) and about 50 ft. of wood 2 rail fence. The entrance road from the highway to the parking lot is paved.

Concession Store and Changing Shed Concession Store, Self Service Fee Station and Rental Area. The store is a 665 sq. ft. wooden building with 2 entrances; one accessible. There is electricity and air conditioning, telephone service (352-685-2799) and the floor was recently replaced. There is no running water or septic in the store. A small variety of prepackaged snacks, drinks and beach toys are offered. Visitors rent the canoes and kayaks at the store. A three sided 120 sq. ft. shed sits across a sidewalk from the store and houses an ice machine and miscellaneous equipment and has electric. A large 8x4 ft. wooden self service fee board with an iron ranger sit at the back door to the store across from the ice shed.

Portable Toilet and Changing Shed Area. A 280 sq. ft. wooden brown shed used for changing clothes is located at the end of the parking lot near the store. The shed is divided into two equal communal changing rooms about 10x12 ft. each. Inside each changing room are wooden benches and hooks along the walls and a simple electric light. A wooden 2 rail fence separates the driving lane from the shed and one metal double bear proof garbage container (2, 55 gal cans each) sits next to the fence.

Six portable toilets (1-2 accessible toilets) are located to the left of the changing shed. Portable toilets totaling 6 (2 accessible) will be required from May 1 to September 15 and 2 (1 accessible) from September 16 to April 30. Rental and servicing of the portable toilets will be the responsibility of the permit holder. 33

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

Day Use Picnic Grounds, Spring and Canoe Launch There are two native surface 50 ft. long paths to the spring and picnic grounds that are located on either side of the store. Where the two paths come together again at the picnic ground there is a tall 4x8 ft. wooden bulletin board with a shake roof posting area rules, a forest map and other information. Between this area and the spring is the shaded picnic area and grassy lounge area and includes a sand volleyball court with a net. There are 58 expanded metal and wooden picnic tables, 30 pedestal grills, 8 wooden benches and 20 metal double bear proof garbage containers with 2 cans (55 gallons each) on concrete pads.

Approximately 2400 ft. of two rail wooden fence surrounds the picnic area and borders the spring/water. A large interpretive sign framed in lumber sits along one of the fences. There are 3 access points through the wooden rail fence to allow visitors access to the water and buoyed off areas correspond to these access points. There is also an access that holds a wooden canoe and kayak launching 10x15 ft. deck with railings and a rubber surface. Canoe/kayak racks holding 12 rental watercraft are located nearby.

Trails There are two hiking trails at the Silver Glen Spring Recreation Area. The .75 mile Spring Boils Trail starts at the picnic ground and leads visitors around the edge of the spring to the boils. Lake George Trail begins at the picnic ground and takes hikers 2 miles roundtrip to Lake George and back again. There are 3 lake overlooks on the trail and two medium size directional signs pointing visitors to the trail at the picnic grounds. The permit holder will be responsible for trail maintenance on the Spring Boils Trail and the Lake George Trail.

i. Wildcat Lake Day Use Area Wildcat Lake Day Use Area, elevation 43 feet, is centrally located in the forest approximately 1 mile east of the intersection of State Roads 40 and 19 on the south side of Highway 40. It is surrounded by National Forest system lands and situated in the sand pine/longleaf pine ecosystem. Wildcat Lake, 335 surface acres, is a deep clear lake that is a favorite of anglers seeking largemouth bass, sunfish and black crappie.

There are no overnight camping facilities for the public. Day use facilities support boating, fishing, picnicking and swimming recreational activities. There is minimal use of the beach and picnic area due to neglect and a lack of tables/pedestal grills and shade. Currently, the sand beach has been taken over by grass and weeds, the swim area is muddy (weeds prevent access and use) and the buoys need to be repaired. The swim area does not currently meet FL standards for a public swim area (see Table 15).

The complex consists of 2 paved looped parking areas; one for boat trailer parking (14 spaces) and the other for the swim area (24 spaces), a 64 sq. ft. entrance shed with electric, 2 self service fee stations with iron rangers and bulletin boards, 1 double CXT vault toilet (new in 2010) with 2 risers, 6 metal double bear proof trash containers (2 cans, 55 gallons each), 3 picnic tables (no pedestal grills) and a small sand and muddy swim area with PVC pipe buoys to delineate the swim area. In addition, a 100 ft. long treated wood accessible boat dock/pathway with a 700 sq. ft. fishing pier at the end all sit on a 720 sq. ft. concrete ramp and were constructed in 2017.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest At a minimum the entrance station will be staffed during daylight savings time from 1030-1830 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

This is a day use fee area that charged $5 per person or $65 per annual pass per person. Gross Revenue for 2018 totaled $6,577. Fees charged in 2018 are listed in Table 12. See Table 11 for a summary of facility and utility descriptions for Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area and Wildcat Day Use Area.

Special Requirements of the permit holder authorized to operate and manage the facilities at the Wildcat Day Use Area include the following:

Entrance Station Operation. The permit holder will be required to operate the Entrance Station at a minimum staffed year round from 1030-1830 Friday-Sunday.

Swim Area and Beach. The beach sand will need to be maintained regularly (see Table 15) and the water tested regularly (see F. Utilities and Waste Management).

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

Table 11. Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area and Wildcat Day Use Area Facility and Utility Description, Ocala National Forest

ITEM Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area Wildcat Day Use Area Facilities Elevation 20 ft. 43 ft. Operating Season 365 days/year 365 days/year Entrance Station 52 sq. ft. shed, no utilities 64 sq. ft. shed with 4x8 shake roof bulletin board and iron ranger, electric; day use entry Self Service Fee Collection Traditional FS bulletin board and iron ranger at store 4x8 shake roof bulletin board with iron ranger at boat ramp entrance Staffing year round from 0800-2000 Sat/Sun/Holidays daylight savings time from 1030-1830 on 1000-1800 during daylight savings time Mon-Fri Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays 1000 to 1800 outside of daylight saving time Host Sites 3 host sites with full hookups; 1 site for FS volunteer No Campsites and Amenities No camping, day use only No camping, day use only Recreation.gov No No Day Use Parking 100 native surface spaces; 4 accessible spaces 24 paved parking spaces; 2 accessible day use area; 14 paved parking spaces boat ramp parking Concession/Store 665 sq. ft. store, electric and telephone, prepackaged snacks, No beach toys, ice Rental Equip/Services 12 Canoe and kayak rental watercraft No Educational/Amphitheater/Visitor No No Center Trails 2 trails; .75 mile Spring Boils trail, 2 mile Lake George Trail No with 3 overlooks Telephone Service 352-685-2799 No Electric Power Host sites and store only To entrance station shed for air conditioner Septic System holding tanks at host sites and one drain field No Water System Well, submersible pump for host sites only; pump house 120 sq. No ft., Steel hydropneumatic storage tank, disinfection equipment, distribution system with 3 hydrants Toilet Type and Capacity 6 portables (1 accessible) peak season; 3 portables (1 accessible) One double CXT; 2 risers non-peak season Shower Buildings No No

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

ITEM Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area Wildcat Day Use Area Facilities Garbage Containers 1 10 yard dumpster at host site; 20 metal double bear proof with 2 6 metal double bear proof trash containers with 2 cans (55 gal) each scattered in site cans (55 gallon) each Gates and Locks 5 metal bar gates None Bulletin Boards, Interpretive 2 information bulletin boards, 2 interpretive signs 1 3x3 with shake metal roof in center of parking lot Signs Tables and Benches 58 metal and wood tables in picnic ground area; 8 wood benches 3 wood w/metal frame tables at beach area Fire Rings/Grills 30 pedestal grills in picnic ground area No Bear Food Storage Box No No Other Facilities Sand volleyball court with net; 2436 linear ft. of 2 rail wooden 700 sq. ft. (10x20) wood fishing platform/dock fence; 10x15 canoe dock with railing; 15 buoys adjacent to boat ramp; 720 sq. ft. boat ramp; life flotation ring at beach on pole; 30x50 sand beach with PVC pipe floating in water as buoys

Table 12. Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area Complex and Wildcat Lake Day Use 2018 Fees, Ocala National Forest

ITEM Quantity Fee 2018 Silver Glen Springs Canoe Rental Per canoe per day $42.00 Canoe Rental, 4 hrs. Per canoe per 4 hours $26.00 Canoe Rental, 2 hrs. Per canoe per 2 hours $18.00 Overnight Hiker Parking Per vehicle $16.50 Day Use Per person $5 Annual Day Use Pass Per person $65.00 Wildcat Lake Day Use Area Day use Per person $5 Annual Day Use Pass Per person $65.00

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest j. Cabin Rental, Lake Dorr Lake Dorr Cabin is located on the south shore of the 1,760 surface acre Lake Dorr approximately 1.5 miles north east of Altoona, FL. Shady Palmetto palms and other subtropical vegetation surround the 2 acre cabin site. Boating, swimming, jet skiing, and fishing for bass, crappie and pan fish are popular recreational activities.

This is a fee site and reserved through recreation.gov at $935/week or $152/night (3 night minimum charge). Guests check in at 4:00 p.m. Friday and depart the next Thursday before 9:00 a.m. The cabin is cleaned on Thursdays. The cabin can be reserved for only 3 days at one time as well. The cabin meets accessibility requirements.

The 1450 sq. ft. one level modern cabin is newly restored with polished hardwood floors and large windows. The cabin sleeps 10 with a queen bed in one bedroom, two sets of bunk beds in the second bedroom and two sleeper sofas in the living room. In addition, there is a modern fully accessible bathroom with a shower. The cabin has a fully equipped kitchen with cooking and eating utensils, microwave, coffeepot, refrigerator and electric stove. Guests supply their own bedding, pillows, towels, dish soap and other camping supplies.

The site includes a private 95 foot (675 sq. ft.) wooden boat dock and fishing pier. A 300 sq. ft. concrete boat launch adjacent to the dock is for guest use only. Near the boat ramp guests are provided with four canoes stored on a wooden rack. Paddles and life jackets are stored nearby in a 10x15 wooden shed. Also provided outside the cabin are 2 picnic tables, a fire ring and pedestal grill. The enclosed screened in porch has 2 lawn chairs and a bulletin board on the wall with cabin and area regulations and safety messages. Tents could be set up on the expansive shaded lawn and RV campers are welcome but there are no hookups or camping pads.

On the south lawn near the cabin door is a post with electric hookups and other electric wires that need to be brought up to outdoor electric industry standard. Surrounding the 2 acre site is 600 linear feet of chain link and sheep wire fence. Approximately 50 linear feet of posts spaced across the lawn are used as parking barriers. The site is secured with a metal bar type gate and lock. The key is provided to guests at the ranger station.

The cabin has central heating and air conditioning systems. A wood burning fireplace in the living room is not operational. A 10 yard bear proof metal dumpster sits just outside the property gate and 2 metal double bear proof trash containers (2 55 gallon cans each) sits adjacent to the shed. The water system consists of a well with a submersible pump, bladder storage tank, disinfection equipment, and distribution system and is housed in a 34 sq. ft. wooden pump house located between the cabin and the lake. The septic system consists of a septic tank, lift station and drain field. There is telephone service to the cabin although it is not operational.

The cabin total gross revenue for 2018 was $24,934.

k. Cabin Rental, Sweetwater Sweetwater Cabin, adjacent to Sweetwater Spring, is located approximately 4 miles north of the intersection of State Roads 19 and 40 then off a ½ mile gravel road to the west of 19 at the Juniper Run bridge area. Shady Palmetto palms and other subtropical vegetation surround the 2 acre site. The cabin, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sweetwater Spring is located on the site and its waters flow 38

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest into Juniper Run about a ¼ away. The Juniper Prairie Wilderness Area surrounds the cabin on 3 sides. Swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking are popular recreational activities at the cabin.

This is a fee site and reserved through recreation.gov at $850/week with a $100 security deposit. Guests check in at 4:00 p.m. Friday and depart the next Friday before 9:00 a.m. Cabin cleaning occurs on Friday between 900 and 1530. The cabin does not comply with ADA accessibility requirements.

The 1315 sq. ft. one level cabin with polished hardwood floors and historic windows sleeps 12 with a three sets of bunk beds in each of the two bedrooms. In addition, there is a modern bathroom with a shower. The cabin has a fully equipped kitchen with cooking and eating utensils, microwave, coffeepot, refrigerator and electric stove. Guests supply their own bedding, pillows, towels, dish soap and other camping supplies. A propane fireplace in the living room is not operational.

The site includes a 220 sq. ft. wooden observation deck and fishing pier over Sweetwater Spring. Approximately 780 sq. ft. of wooden stairs (15) lead from the cabin to the fishing pier. Across the 50 ft. spring guests are provided with 2 canoes stored on a wooden rack. Paddles and life jackets are stored in the cabin. Also provided outside the cabin are a 12 ft. wooden picnic table, a metal fire ring and pedestal grill. There are limited small areas where tents could be set up on the sloping, shaded lawn and there are no RV turnaround areas, hookups or camping pads.

On the east lawn next to the septic tanks sits a post with electric pump control and other electric wires that need to be brought up to outdoor electric industry standard. Within the 2 acre site is 206 linear feet of wooden 2 rail fence that serves as a barrier on a steep slope at the back of the cabin. Approximately 30 linear feet of posts at the parking area are used as parking barriers. The site is secured with a metal pipe type gate and lock located just off the Highway. The key is provided to guests at the ranger station.

The cabin has central heating and air conditioning systems. A propane fireplace in the living room is not operational. The cabin offers 2 metal double bear proof trash containers (2, 55 gallon cans each) adjacent to the parking area. The water system consists of a surface water source from a spring behind the 80 sq. ft. wooden pump house (5x10) located at the canoe racks across the spring, a filtration system, bladder type storage tank, disinfection equipment, and distribution system with one outdoor hydrant at the cabin. The septic system consists of an Advanced Aerobic Treatment System with a septic tank, aeration equipment, and drip irrigation field located on the east lawn. The septic system requires licensed engineer to determine and perform regular monitoring.

National Register of Historic Places Eligible Structure. The cabin is eligible under the National Heritage Protection Act (1966). Any work on a historic structure requires consultation with the Forest Heritage Program Manager (archaeologist) before any maintenance is undertaken. Further, just because there are no listed historic structures on sites, there may be subsurface features that also need to be accounted for and protected. No ground disturbing activities may be conducted on any Federal property without first consulting the Forest Heritage Program Manager.

The cabin total gross revenue for 2018 was $41,285

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

Table 13. Lake Dorr Cabin and Sweetwater Cabin Facility and Utility Description and 2018 Gross Revenue, Ocala National Forest ITEM Lake Dorr Facilities Sweetwater Cabin Facilities Elevation 13 ft. 15 ft. Operating Season 365 days/year; closed 4 weeks/yr. for mtc. in Feb, 365 days/year; closed 4 weeks/yr. for mtc. in Feb, May, May, Aug, Nov; Rental Friday 1600 – Thurs 0900 Aug, Nov; Rental Friday 1600 – Friday 0900 Gross Revenue 2018 $25,934 $41,285 Campsites and Amenities Cabin sleeps 12; Tents and RVs welcome; no Cabin sleeps 12; Limited flat spots for tents; no trailer hookups or camping pads; ADA compliant turnaround or parking available; not ADA compliant Recreation.gov Yes Yes Equipment 4 canoes; lifejackets/paddles provided on wooden 2 canoes; lifejackets/paddles provided on wooden canoe canoe rack rack Trails No Canoe trail from spring to Juniper Run Telephone Service No; cell phone service poor No; cell phone service fair Electric Power Yes; central heating and air conditioning Yes; central heating and air conditioning Propane none none Septic System septic tank, lift station and drain field. Advanced Aerobic Treatment System with a septic tank, aeration equipment, and drip irrigation field located on the east lawn. The septic system requires licensed engineer to determine and perform regular monitoring Water System well with a submersible pump, bladder storage Well with submersible pump; surface water source from a tank, disinfection equipment, and distribution spring behind the 80 sq. ft. wooden pump house, filtration system, 34 sq. ft. wooden pump house; 1 outdoor system, bladder type storage tank, disinfection equipment, water hydrant and distribution system with one outdoor hydrant Toilet Type/Capacity One accessible modern bathroom with flush toilet modern bathroom with flush toilet in cabin (does not meet in cabin ADA) Shower Buildings One large accessible “roll in” hot shower in cabin One accessible hot shower in cabin bathroom bathroom Garbage Containers 10 yard metal bear proof dumpster; 2 metal double 2 metal double bear proof 2 can (55 gal each) containers bear proof 2 can (55 gal each) containers Gates, Locks, Fence Metal pipe gate with lock; 600 linear ft. of chain Metal pipe gate with lock; 206 linear ft. of wooden 2 rail link and sheep wire fence around site fence Bulletin Boards 3x3 board on outside of cabin back door with No safety messages and regulations Tables and Outdoor Furniture 2 metal tables, 2 lawn chairs 12 ft. wooden table

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

ITEM Lake Dorr Facilities Sweetwater Cabin Facilities Fire Rings/Grills One ring and 1 pedestal grill One ring and 1 pedestal grill Other Facilities 95 ft. (675 sq. ft.) wooden dock and fishing pier; 220 sq. ft. wooden observation deck and fishing pier 300 sq. ft. concrete boat ramp; 10x15 wooden shed over Sweetwater Spring; approximately 780 sq. ft. of for lifejacket/paddle storage; 50 linear ft. posts wooden stairs (15) lead from the cabin to the fishing used as parking barriers; post with electric pier; 2 canoes stored on a wooden rack. Paddles and hookups and other electric wires that need to life jackets are stored in the cabin; NRHP Eligible be brought up to outdoor electric industry std.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest l. Trails Summary and Maintenance There are 8 trails, 6 needing trail maintenance and 7 trailheads that are offered in this prospectus (see Table 14). All are charge a day use fee for use. The trails are located within the recreation complexes and use of the trails are included in the day use fee at Alexander Springs, Clearwater Lake, Hopkins Prairie, Juniper Springs, and Silver Glenn Springs. The joint trailhead for the Florida National Scenic Trail and Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail is located approximately ¼ mile outside Clearwater Lake Recreation Area. Separate overnight hiker parking fees are charged at Alexander Springs and Juniper Springs Recreation Areas. Trail maintenance on the Florida National Scenic Trail and Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail is the responsibility of the Forest Service and their volunteers.

A total of 4 miles of trails with natural surfaces require maintenance and include Clearwater Lake Recreation Area Loop Trail (1.3 miles) and at Silver Glenn Spring Recreation Area both the Lake George Trail (2 miles) and Spring Boils Trail (.5 miles). Trail maintenance on these trails will be: • Patrol trails and clear hanging limbs, brush back vines and other vegetation, remove litter, graffiti, and other hazards as needed and at a minimum weekly during the peak season from April 15 – October 15 and monthly from October 15 – April 14. • Clear vegetation width to 6 feet (3 feet from trail center line) and height to 8 feet • Remove all noxious weeds such as poison ivy and poison sumac through approved chemical spraying. • Maintain any overlooks, directional or interpretive signs and stands along these trails • Maintain any trail structures such as but not limited to water bars, materials such as fabric that harden the trail surface, rock walls, gabions, bridges and handrails and decks.

A total of 1.5 miles of trails that are considered boardwalks with wooden, elevated walking surfaces with railings, overlooks, fishing piers and interpretive signs include the Timucuan Nature Trail at Alexander Springs Recreation Area and Juniper Springs Nature Trail at Juniper Springs Recreation Area. Maintenance on these trails includes: • Patrol trails and clear hanging limbs, brush back vines and other vegetation, sweep off needles, dry leaves and dead vegetation, remove litter, graffiti, and other hazards as needed and at a minimum 3 times a week during the peak season from April 15 – October 15 and monthly from October 15 – April 14. • Clear vegetation width to 6 feet (3 feet from trail center line) and height to 8 feet • Remove all noxious weeds such as poison ivy and poison sumac through approved chemical spraying. • Maintain any overlooks, directional or interpretive signs and stands along these trails • Maintain any trail structures such as but not limited to rock walls, gabions, bridges and handrails and decks. • Broken boards on walkways or railings will be replaced within 24 hours

Trailheads to maintain vary greatly as to the amount and type of infrastructure present. Three trailheads only have directional signing indicating the start of the trail, 3 trailheads only have interpretive type signs indicating the start of the trail, and 2 trails have traditional Forest Service 4x8 panel bulletin boards to maintain. See Table 14 below for a summary.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

Table 14. Summary of Trail Sites and Maintenance Needs, Ocala National Forest

Trail Name Site Location Name Fee Area Trailhead Maintenance Trail Length & Maintenance Clearwater Lake Loop Clearwater Lake Recreation Day Use Fee Signing 1.3 miles Area Florida National Scenic Trail Alexander Springs Day Use Fee, Signing, Paved Parking Lot; same None Recreation Area Overnight Parking Fee site as Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail Florida National Scenic Trail Buck Lake Campground No No trailhead, trail passes around None site Florida National Scenic Trail Clearwater Lake Recreation No Natural surface lot for 5 vehicles, None Area signing Florida National Scenic Trail Hopkins Prairie Day Use Fee Natural surface lot for 3 vehicles, None Campground signing Florida National Scenic Trail Juniper Springs Recreation Day Use Fee, Gravel lot for 3 vehicles, signing None Area Overnight Parking Fee Juniper Run Juniper Springs Recreation Day Use Fee Within day use site 7 miles of creek Area Juniper Nature Trail Juniper Springs Recreation Day Use Fee Within day use site, interpretive .75 miles of boardwalk Area sign & 6 interp. signs Lake George Trail Silver Glenn Springs Rec Day Use Fee Within day use site, directional 2 miles natural trail Area signing with 3 overlooks Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail Alexander Springs Day Use Fee, Signing, Paved parking, day use None Recreation Area Overnight Parking Fee lot Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail Clearwater Lake Recreation No Natural surface lot for 5 vehicles, None Area signing; same site as FL Nat’l Scenic Trail Spring Boils Trail Silver Glenn Springs Day Use Fee Directional sign; 2 interpretive .5 mile path around Recreation Area signs spring to boils Timucuan Trail Alexander Springs Day Use Fee 1 interpretive sign .5 mile boardwalk Recreation Area with 3 fishing piers

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest m. Spring and Swim Area Summary and Maintenance There are 7 swim areas included in this prospectus offering. Four of the swim areas are in springs and include Alexander Spring, Juniper Spring, Silver Glenn Spring and Sweetwater Spring. Three of the swim areas are on lakes and have sandy beaches and include Clearwater Lake, Mill Dam Lake and Wildcat Lake. There are recurring maintenance needs unique to spring and lake swim areas and these are defined below (see Table 15).

The swim areas that are associated with the four springs receive dredging or clean out of the boils or vents on a recurring rotating basis of every 3 to 5 years. This work is accomplished by the Forest Service with trained and licensed scuba divers who run the equipment. The permit holder rents the equipment with GT funds. The work is scheduled for a week in the off-peak season and the portion of the springs not being worked on are open for public use during this time. The schedule for dredging the springs is: Alexander Spring 2020, Juniper Spring 2019, Silver Glenn Spring 2020, and Sweetwater Spring 2021.

The permit holder is responsible for the following requirements for the swim areas/lounge areas at Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs and Silver Glen Spring: • At Alexander Springs the permit holder will provide a Red Cross Certified lifeguard from May 15-Sept 15 from 10 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week. • Swim area buoys that delineate the swim area from the boating area will be maintained at Alexander Springs and Silver Glenn Springs Recreation Areas and meet US Coast Guard regulations for swim area buoys. The buoys will be free of cracks, algae, floating at the surface and securely fastened to ensure they form a boundary around the swim area. Visitors will be monitored so they do not play with the buoys. • The permit holder will keep the water surface of the swim areas free of floating litter, branches and other hazards that could harm visitors. • The grass will be allowed and encouraged to encroach from the picnic area to the concrete water wall at Alexander Springs. This will protect the water from sediment being carried into the spring itself.

At the three swim areas that are located on the shores of Clearwater Lake, Mill Dam Lake and Wildcat Lake contain sandy beach areas. The permit holder is responsible for the following: • The permit holder will provide a Red Cross Certified lifeguard from May 15-Sept 15 from 10 am to 6 pm, on weekends at Mill Dam swim area. • Swim area buoys that delineate the swim area from the boating area will be maintained at all 3 areas and meet US Coast Guard regulations for swim area buoys. The buoys will be free of cracks, algae, floating at the surface and securely fastened to ensure they form a boundary around the swim area. Visitors will be monitored so they do not play with the buoys. Buoys will be repaired within 24 hours. • The permit holder will keep the water surface of the swim areas free of floating litter, branches and other hazards that could harm visitors. • Beach maintenance at Clearwater Lake and Wildcat Lake beaches will include eradicating the encroaching grass the first year of the permit and then once each spring mid- April, rototilling the sand at a minimum 2x a month from April 15 – September 15 and adding sand (amount to be determined by the Forest Service) every 3 years. • Beach sand maintenance for Mill Dam Lake will include rototilling the sand at a minimum 2x a month from April 15 – September 15 and adding sand (amount to be determined by the Forest Service) every 3 years. 44

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

The permit holder is required to operate and maintain the swim beach water to healthy, sanitary conditions at the 7 public swimming areas described in this offering in Tables 15. This includes recurring water testing. The permit holder will be in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations for the operation and maintenance of public swimming areas and beaches. General requirements for water testing on the Ocala National Forest follow Florida Administrative Code (FAC) and Florida Administrative Register (FAR) regulations found at www.flrules.org and include but are not limited to Florida Administrative Code (FAC) 64- E9.013 (Title: Bathing Places) regulations for operating public bathing or swimming areas.

Note: Buoys are currently not the US Coast Guard industry standard for delineating swim areas at these 5 areas Alexander Spring, Silver Glenn Spring, Clearwater Lake, Mill Dam Lake and Wildcat Lake and need to be replaced with US Coast Guard approved devices. The number, type and placement will meet Coast Guard standard for each area which depends on the size of the swim area and horsepower of motors allowed on the lakes. GT funds will be used for this purpose the first year of the new permit.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

Table 15. Summary of Spring and Swim Sites and Maintenance Needs, Ocala National Forest

Swim Site Name Life Guard Permit 1st year Needs Sand Beach Maintenance Buoys Alexander Spring May 15-Sept 15 from Plant grass seed (as Allow the grass to grow up to the 10 buoys; Need to 10 am to 6 pm, 7 days a approved by the FS) at concrete wall at the water’s edge meet Coast Guard week concrete wall edge standard Juniper Spring None None No beach; grass lounging area None Silver Glen Spring None Replace buoys No beach; grass lounging area 20 buoy in 3 areas; Need to meet Coast Guard standard Sweetwater Spring (cabin) None None No beach; wooden deck at spring None Clearwater Lake None Beach – remove Remove grass/weeds once each spring 10 buoys; Need to grass/weeds, add sand, mid-April; rototill sand at a minimum meet Coast Guard rototill; replace buoys 2x a month from April 15 – standard September 15; add sand every 3 years (amount to be determined by the Forest Service) Mill Dam Lake May 15-Sept 15 from Replace buoys Rototill sand at a minimum 2x a 6 buoys; Need to meet 10 am to 6 pm, Fri-Sun month from April 15 – September 15; Coast Guard standard add sand every 3 years (amount to be determined by the Forest Service) Wildcat Lake None Beach – remove Remove grass/weeds once each spring PVC pipe; Need to grass/weeds, add sand, mid-April; rototill sand at a minimum meet Coast Guard rototill; replace buoys 2x a month from April 15 – standard Swim Water – dredge September 15; add sand every 3 years to remove mud and add (amount to be determined by the sand in water within Forest Service) buoy area

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest D. Government-Furnished Property The Forest Service will provide certain property in conjunction with the concession campground special use permit (see Appendix 3 of the prospectus, and Tables 3-15 for more detailed facility descriptions). Included in this inventory are a description, the quantity, and the estimated replacement cost of the applicable property. If the inventory does not have a value then current market value for replacement will be used.

E. Government-Furnished Supplies The Forest Service will not furnish any supplies for day-to-day operation of the concession. Government-furnished supplies will be limited to those necessary for programmatic consistency, including: • Forms to report use and revenue. • A copy of the Forest Service publications, “Cleaning Recreation Sites,” “In-Depth Design and Maintenance Manual for Vault Toilets,” and “Vault Toilet Pumping Contract Specifications and Guidelines for Preparing Contracts.” • A copy of “Recreation Opportunity Guides,” which the holder may reproduce at its expense. • Signs for Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et. Seq.)

F. Utilities and Waste Management Certain utilities and supporting infrastructure exist in the developed recreation sites identified in this prospectus. The permit holder will be responsible for securing, managing, and paying for these utilities. Applicants should contact current service providers to obtain estimated costs for the utilities. Tables 3-15 summarizes government furnished property, water systems, utilities and waste management items.

a. Electrical Commercial electric is used at some of the sites in this offering as described in Tables 3-13. Commercial electricity costs and changing the name on the account to the concession permit holder will be the responsibility of the permit holder.

Commercial Electricity providers at these sites include: • Clay Electric Coop, Inc., Keystone Heights, FL, 352-473-8000 Alexander Springs Complex Juniper Springs Complex Mill Dam Day Use Area Silver Glenn Springs Complex Wildcat Lake Day Use Area Cabin, Sweetwater

• Sumter Electric, Ocala, FL, 352-237-4107 Clearwater Lake Complex Cabin, Lake Dorr

b. Telephone Landline telephone service for the permit holder is used at some of the sites in this offering as described in Tables 3-13. Costs of providing this service and changing the name on the account to the concession permit holder will be the responsibility of the permit holder. 47

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest Landline Telephone service will be provided and the current telephone numbers will be maintained at:

Alexander Springs Complex - Recreation Area 352-669-3552; Store 352-669-9166 Clearwater Lake Complex – Area Manager 352-669-0078 Juniper Springs Complex – Area Manager 352-625-3147; Store 352-625-2808 Mill Dam Day Use Area Recreation Area 352-625-4183 Silver Glenn Springs Complex – Store 352-685-2799 Cabin, Lake Dorr service to the cabin but not an active line

The telephone provider for these sites is: Century Link, Ocala, FL, 352-237-7995

Cell phone coverage is possible in most areas. Cell service is limited at both Lake Dorr and Sweetwater Cabins. Radios are suggested for sites that do not have cell phone coverage as a backup option for communications.

c. Propane The government owns no propane tanks. If necessary the concession permit holder will be responsible to establish an account for any propane use and assume all costs for propane use in the facilities.

d. Water Systems The permit holder is required to operate and maintain the Forest’s 9 potable water systems as described in Tables 3-16. The water systems are summarized below in Table 16. The permit holder will be in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations for the operation and maintenance of a public drinking water system.

The types and locations of the water systems are summarized as: • Accessible Hand Pumps: Buck Lake Campground, Hopkins Prairie Campground • Well Water Systems: Alexander Springs Complex, Clearwater Lake Complex, Juniper Springs Complex, Mill Dam Day Use Area, Silver Glen Springs Complex, Cabin-Lake Dorr, Cabin-Sweetwater. • Wildcat Lake Day Use is the only site in this offering that does not have a water system.

Table 16. Water Systems, Ocala National Forest

Water System Name System Water System components Class Alexander Springs TNC Steel *hydropneumatic storage tank, disinfection equipment, distribution system. Buck Lake NPT Hand operate pump Clearwater Lake TNC Steel hydropneumatic storage tank, concrete storage reservoir, disinfection equipment, distribution system. Hopkin’s Prairie NPT Hand operated pump. Juniper Springs TNC Steel hydropneumatic storage tank, concrete storage reservoir, disinfection equipment, distribution system. 48

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest Lake Dorr Cabin Limited Use Bladder storage tank, disinfection equipment, Public distribution system. Mill Dam TNC Steel hydropneumatic storage tank, disinfection equipment, distribution system. Silver Glen Springs TNC Steel hydropneumatic storage tank, disinfection equipment, distribution system. Sweetwater Cabin NPT Surface water source, filtration system, bladder type storage tank, disinfection equipment, distribution system. TNC = Transient Non Community, NPT = Non public transient. *Hydropneumatic storage tank stores water and air under pressure.

General requirements for water testing on the Ocala National Forest follow Florida Administrative Code (FAC) and Florida Administrative Register (FAR) regulations found at www.flrules.org and include but are not limited to: • Florida Administrative Code (FAC) 64-E8 (Title: Drinking Water Systems, Operation and Maintenance) regulations for operating public water systems apply to: Hopkin’s Prairie Campground, Lake Dorr Cabin and Sweetwater Cabin. • Florida Administrative Code (FAC) 62-550 (Title: Drinking Water Standards, Monitoring, and Reporting), 62-555 (Title: Permitting, Construction Operation and Maintenance of Public Water Systems), and 62-560 (Title: Requirements for Public Water Systems that are out of Compliance) regulations for operating public water systems apply to: Alexander Springs Complex, Buck Lake Campground, Clearwater Lake Complex, Juniper Springs Complex, Mill Dam Day Use Area, Silver Glenn Springs Day Use, and Wildcat Lake. • Water testing and compliance with FAC and all associated costs will be the responsibility of the concessionaire. • The concessionaire will be responsible for the first $2000 of each water system for repairs. • Oversight of repair/replacement of mains, branch lines, connections, faucets (hydrants), valves, etc. as needed in order to ensure acceptable water quality, water supply, and water pressure. • Read and update water distribution system maps and operation/maintenance plans. • Collect and transport water samples to a certified lab in accordance with State of Florida (and permit) requirements. • Safely clean and disinfect storage tanks and distribution system at start-up and as needed throughout season as contamination is discovered. • Observe system, power source, pumps, etc. to detect unusual noises/vibrations, pressure levels, water quality changes, etc. • Keep records and prepare reports as required by the State of Florida (and the permit). A partial list of required records and reports include but are not limited to: o Operating Permit o Start-up inspection report o Monthly sample/testing reports o Condition Surveys o Bacteriological failure public communication (within 30 days of total coliform failure, within 24 hours of fecal coliform failure). o Bacteriological failure reporting to the State (within 30 days of failure) 49

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

o Annual Electronic Reports • Prepare and update Bacteriological Site Sampling Plans • Emergency Notification Plans • Estimate and justify budget request for supplies and equipment. • Troubleshoot and repair minor problems with water quality and mechanical equipment. • Conduct safety inspections and follow safety requirements. • Communicate with the public, the State of Florida, and the Forest Service. • Maintain current operation permits from the State of Florida. e. Public Swim Beach Water Quality Testing and Operation and Maintenance The permit holder is required to operate and maintain the swim beach water to healthy, sanitary conditions at the 7 public swimming areas described in this offering in Tables 3-15. The permit holder will be in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations for the operation and maintenance of public swimming areas and beaches.

General requirements for water testing and swim area operation and maintenance on the Ocala National Forest follow Florida Administrative Code (FAC) and Florida Administrative Register (FAR) regulations found at www.flrules.org and include but are not limited to: • Florida Administrative Code (FAC) 64-E9.013 (Title: Bathing Places) regulations for operating public bathing or swimming areas apply to: Alexander Springs Complex Clearwater Lake Complex Juniper Springs Complex Mill Dam Day Use Complex Silver Glen Springs Complex Wildcat Lake Day Use Area Cabin, Sweetwater Spring • Water testing and compliance with FAC regulations and all associated costs will be the responsibility of the concessionaire. • Some requirements of the FAC 64-E9.013 regulations include but are not limited to and listed here to bring to your attention: o (b) Sanitary Survey – bathing water has a flow through of a minimum of 500 gallons per anticipated bather 24 hours unless the water surface area of the body of water is 2 acres or more; bathing load in lakes is 100 sq. ft. per bather, water currents shall not exceed 3 feet per second. o (c) Bacteriological Survey – fecal coliform shall not exceed the standard of subsection 64E-9.013(4) o (f) Water Clarity Measurement – Secchi disk reading in feet; life guard plan needed if clarity does not achieve four feet depth o (3.b) Operation. Operational Water Quality – water free of chemical and physical substances (algae and vegetation) known or suspected of being capable of creating toxic reactions o (3.c.) Operation. Bacteriological Samples – samples shall be collected monthly; 2 samples for every 200 ft. shoreline; samples analyzed by DOH certified lab; samples exceeding standards notify County Health Dept. and resample within 24 hours. o (3.d) Operation. Inspections – County Health Department shall perform two inspections per year 50

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

o (3.f) Operation. Muck and Vegetation– muck or silt shall not be present from the shoreline to a depth of 5 feet and aquatic vegetation shall be controlled o (3.g) Operation. Signage- signs to include bathing load, dangerous wildlife, deep water, lifeguard not on duty • Keep records and prepare reports as required by the State of Florida (and the permit). A partial list of required records and reports include but are not limited to: o Operating Permit o Start-up inspection report o Monthly sample/testing reports o Condition Surveys o Bacteriological failure public communication (within 24 hours of fecal coliform failure). o Bacteriological failure reporting to the State (within 24 hours of failure) o Annual Electronic Reports • Prepare and update Bacteriological Site Sampling Plans • Prepare a lifeguard plan for Alexander Springs • Emergency Notification Plans • Troubleshoot and repair minor problems with water quality and mechanical equipment. • Conduct safety inspections and follow safety requirements. • Communicate with the public, the State of Florida, and the Forest Service. • Maintain current operation permits from the State of Florida.

f. Garbage and Recycling The operator will be responsible for recycling aluminum and trash collection using bear proof containers for both services at all sites. The Forest Service owns all of the approximate100 metal double bear proof containers (2, 55 gallon cans each) at the sites in the offering. The 12 large 10 yard dumpsters at the sites in the offering are owned by the waste management companies.

Note: Any existing non bear proof trash containers located at Alexander Springs and Juniper Springs Recreation Areas will be replaced with bear proof trash containers using with GT funds. This includes but is not limited to the 20 concrete trash containers that are not bear proof currently being used at the concession store areas at Alexander and Juniper Springs Recreation Areas.

The permit holder concessionaire is responsible to assume all costs for and set up accounts where needed for trash disposal and recycling requirements. The following service providers have been used in the past. • Advanced Disposal, Clay County, Green Cove Springs, FL, 904-695-0500 o Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area o Wildcat Lake Day Use Area • Waste Connections, Clearwater, FL, 727-572-6800 o Alexander Springs Recreation Area o Clearwater Lake Recreation Area o Cabin, Lake Dorr • Waste Management, Jacksonville, FL, 904-292-5340 o Juniper Springs Recreation Area o Juniper Wayside Canoe Launch o Cabin, Sweetwater 51

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest • Marion County Recycling Center, Ocala, FL, 352-671-8465 o Buck Lake Group Campground o Hopkins Prairie Campground and Day Use Area o Mill Dam Day Use Area and Boat Launch g. Liquid and Solid Waste Disposal All liquid and solid waste disposal is the responsibility of the new permit holder. The operator is required to operate and maintain the sewage and septic systems in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Septic tanks and systems are summarized in Table 17 below.

General requirements for septic systems on the Ocala National Forest follow Florida Administrative Code (FAC) and Florida Administrative Register (FAR) regulations found at www.flrules.org.

The permit holder concessionaire is responsible to assume all costs for and set up accounts where needed for liquid waste and solid waste disposal. The following service providers have been used in the past.

• PU Septic Tank Service, Ocala, FL, 352-789-0708 • Mills Septic Tank Service, Inc., Ocala, FL, 352-732-3956 • A-1 Payless Septic Service, Ocala, FL, 352-732-6800 • Moring Septic Tank Service, Ocala, FL, 352-629-7286 • Pooh Septic Tank Service, LLC, Ocala, FL, 352-304-9043

Total waste water systems in this offering include the following: o 12 flush toilet buildings: 11 flush with showers and 1 without showers, o 2 single vault buildings (1 wood building and 1 concrete CXT), o 3 double vault buildings (concrete CXT), o 3 RV Sewer Waste Stations, o 25 host sites, and o 3-6 rented portable toilets are required at Silver Glen Springs Day Use Area.

Table 17. Waste Water and Septic Systems, Ocala National Forest

Site Name Type of System Tank Recommended Volume Pump Frequency Alexander Springs Septic System: 2 lift stations, Unknown Minimum once every Main Septic System septic tank, drain field five years. Alexander Springs Septic tank, drain field Unknown Minimum once every 6 Host Sites, 1 RV site five years Alexander Springs Septic tank, drain field Unknown Minimum once every 1 RV Sewer Waste Station five years Alexander Springs Septic tank, lift station, drain Unknown Minimum once every Entrance Station field five years. Buck Lake Toilet Double CXT Vault 2250 gal ¾ full Buck Lake Host None

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest Clearwater Lake Septic: 2 lift stations, septic Unknown Minimum once every Main Septic System tanks, drain field five years. Clearwater Lake Septic Tank, drain field Unknown Minimum once every 3 Host Sites, Septic five years Clearwater Lake Septic Tank, drain field Unknown Minimum once every RV Sewer Waste Station five years Hopkins Prairie Toilets Double CXT Vault 2250 gal ¾ full Hopkins Prairie 1 Host Septic Tank 1000 gal ¾ full Juniper Springs Septic Tank, 2 lift stations, Unknown Minimum once every Main Septic System drain field. five years Juniper Springs Septic Tank, lift station, drain Unknown Minimum once every RV Sewer Waste Station field five years Juniper Springs Septic Tanks with drain fields Unknown Minimum once every 9 Host Sites five years Juniper Wayside Single CXT Vault 1250 gal ¾ full Day Use Lake Dorr Cabin Septic tank, lift station, drain Unknown Minimum once every Septic System field five years Mill Dam Bldg. 132 Septic tank, lift station, drain Unknown Minimum once every Septic, toilet building field. five years Mill Dam Bldg. 134 Septic tank, drain field Unknown Minimum once every Septic, entrance station five years Mill Dam Toilet Single Vault 1000 gal ¾ full Mill Dam Septic tank, drain field Unknown Minimum once every 2 Host Site Septic five years Silver Glen Spring Septic tank, drain field. Unknown Minimum once every 3 Host Site Septic five years Sweetwater Cabin Advanced Aerobic Treatment Unknown Licensed engineer Septic system System: septic tank, aeration required to perform equipment, drip irrigation regular monitoring & field determines frequency Wildcat Day Use Double CXT Vault 2250 gal ¾ full

The following are standard maintenance expectations for septic holding tanks, vaults, evaporation ponds, and leach field systems. • The septic tanks need to be pumped at a minimum every 5 years or more often as the Forest Service deems necessary. • All vault toilets with holding tanks should be pumped when ¾ full, at a minimum annually or more often as the Forest Service deems necessary. • Sewer lift station vaults shall be pumped at a minimum every five years or more often as the Forest Service deems necessary. It shall be the responsibility of the concessionaire to monitor the lift stations and ensure that the pumps work properly. The systems are designed to come on when the generator runs for the well pumps. • Host sites with dedicated septic systems shall have tanks pumped at a minimum every 5 years or more often as the Forest Service deems necessary. Host sites with vault shall be monitored weekly and pumped when they reach 90% capacity. They are equipped with indicators to notify the user that they have reached capacity, but it shall be the responsibility of the concessionaire to monitor and pump as necessary. 53

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

RV Sewer Waste Stations The permit holder will be in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations for the operation and maintenance of RV Sewer Waste Stations. General requirements for septic systems on the Ocala National Forest follow Florida Administrative Code (FAC) and Florida Administrative Register (FAR) regulations found at www.flrules.org and include but are not limited to:

The three RV sewer waste stations located at Alexander Springs Complex, Clearwater Lake and Juniper Springs Complex contain holding tanks and drain fields. • All RV dump station tanks should be pumped at a minimum every 5 years or more often as the Forest Service deems necessary. • Leach fields must be maintained regularly as a loss of leach field will require replacement with a sanitation plant which will be cost prohibitive. Regular pumping of sewage is required in order to maintain leach fields. • Leach fields and effluent evaporation ponds will become the responsibility of the permittee.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest II. Forest Service Concession Programs and Policies

Government-owned concessions are authorized by special use permits issued under Section 7 of the Granger-Thye (GT) Act, 16 U.S.C. 580d, and implementing regulations at 36 CFR Part 251, Subpart B. In addition, there are certain Forest Service programs and policies that apply to campground concession. All applications must be consistent with these requirements.

A. Recreation.gov The Ocala National Forest participates in the Recreation.gov, which provides nationwide, toll- free telephone reservations for single-family or group camping sites, rental cabins, permits, tours, tickets, and other recreational facilities. Visitors pay the camping fee at the time they make a reservation and no fees are collected at the site (although the permit holder may allow occupancy of any site that is unreserved and charge on site for that use). Recreation.gov is part of the Recreation One-Stop Program, which is managed by the Washington Office Recreation, Heritage, and Volunteer Resources staff. The Forest Service contacts and program managers for Recreation.gov are listed below. Applicants should not contact the Recreation.gov contractor directly.

Tiffany Williams, Susan Valente, Region 8, Recreation.gov Coordinator Forest Service Agency Technical Representative telephone: 404-347-2769 telephone: (303) 621-4170 email: [email protected] email: [email protected]

Recreation.gov is the only authorized reservation system for Forest Service-developed recreation sites, including but not limited to campgrounds, cabins, and group use areas. Applicants may recommend adding sites to or deleting sites from Recreation.gov or changing the number of sites that may be reserved, the minimum number of days per reservation, or the location of sites that may be reserved. The permit holder also may make these recommendations during the term of the permit. The authorized officer will decide whether to accept or reject the recommendations.

Under Recreation.gov, the following guidelines must be followed, unless there are compelling operational reasons:

a. For each developed recreation site included in Recreation.gov, at least 60 percent of the units must be available for reservations. The rest of the units may be occupied on a first-come, first- served basis. Reservation windows vary by type of site and are as follows: • Individual campsites: from 6 months to 0-4 days prior to arrival date, depending on location. • Group use areas: from 12 months to 0- 4 days prior to arrival date, depending on location. • Cabins: from 180 to 0-4 days prior to arrival date, depending on location b. When Recreation.gov is utilized, the permit holder is responsible for on-site administration and will be required to: • Obtain daily arrival reports (DARs) each morning by establishing at least one central facsimile location, email address, or other means of obtaining and distributing DARs. • Develop a system for posting reservations at the sites so other visitors know which units are reserved. 55

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest • Post and hold reserved sites for 26 hours past the posted check-in time. • Ensure that the party with the reservation is the party using the site. • Resolve any disputes over the use of reserved sites by drop-in campers. • Verify that visitors hold a valid federal pass (listed below) before giving the discount on fees for those passes (see section II.B). Do not discount fees if a visitor cannot present a valid pass such as the: o Golden Age or Golden Access Passport. o America the Beautiful–The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass or Access Pass. o Other passes as required by the authorized officer and described in this prospectus, such as local area passes. • Develop inventory data for sites being added to Recreation.gov, and update data for sites including fees charged the public and temporary site closures. Submit data updates to Recreation.gov at least annually. • Communicate to Recreation.gov any emergency closures or other relevant operational changes as they occur. • Approve customer refunds as appropriate, and process them through Recreation.gov. Refund policies can be found at (https://support.recreation.gov/).

Because reservations can be made up to a year in advance for group sites and up to 6 months in advance for single- family sites, Recreation.gov is currently accepting reservations for the upcoming operating season. Fees received by Recreation.gov will be held by the Forest Service and distributed following issuance of a special use permit to the successful applicant. In the final year of the permit, fees will be held in the same manner until a new permit is issued. The permit holder will honor reservations made prior to issuance of the permit at the price in effect when the reservations were made. If funds are distributed prematurely for dates outside the permit term, a bill for collection will to be issued to the permit holder.

B. Pass Discounts The permit holder must provide a 50 percent discount on recreation fees charged under REA at developed recreation sites covered by this prospectus to holders of Golden Age and Golden Access Passports, as well as holders of the Interagency Senior and Access Passes. Specifically, holders of these passes are entitled to a 50 percent discount on the fee for a single campsite occupied by the pass holders. • The pass holders are not entitled to a discount on the fee for a multiple-family campsite, cabin, or group use area or any additional campsites occupied by those accompanying the pass holders. • The 50 percent campsite discount does not include utility, water, or any other hookup fees. • Any loss of fee revenue from honoring the passes should be factored into applicants’ bids. • The permit holder will not be required to offer discounts on camping to holders of the Annual or Volunteer Pass.

The following is a list of sites covered by this prospectus where the 50 percent discount for passes applies and where an expanded amenity recreation fee is or could be charged:

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest Alexander Springs Campground, Buck Lake Group Campground, Clearwater Lake Campground, Hopkins Prairie Campground, Juniper Springs Campground, Mill Dam Day Use Area Overnight Group Site, Cabin Rental, Lake Dorr, Cabin Rental, Sweetwater.

Standard Amenity Recreation Fee Sites Under REA [Reserved]. The Forest Service is proposing a revision to FSM 2344.3 to address treatment of standard amenity recreation fee sites in the concession program. The agency reserves the right to amend a special use permit issued under this prospectus to be consistent with any change in that directive.

Developed recreation sites covered by this prospectus for which a standard amenity recreation fee is or could be charged include: Alexander Springs Day Use Area, Clearwater Lake Day Use Area, Hopkins Prairie Day Use Area, Juniper Springs Day Use Area, Juniper Wayside Canoe Launch Take Out, Mill Dam Day Use Area and Boat Launch, Silver Glen Springs Day Use Area, Wildcat Lake Day Use Area.

C. Camp Stamps Camp stamps must be honored at their face value and submitted to the authorized officer for reimbursement.

D. Site Closure The Forest Service reserves the right to close all or a portion of any area in this prospectus for repair; construction; floods, snow, extreme fire danger, or other natural events; wildlife protection; or risks to public health and safety. The Forest Service shall not be liable to the permit holder for lost revenue, operating costs, or any other losses resulting from these closures. However, for fee calculation purposes, the permit shall be placed in non-use status as provided by FSH 2709.11, section 31.23.

Sites scheduled for construction and/or reconstruction and tentative time schedule include: • Every 3-5 years the vents or boils at the springs at Alexander, Juniper, Silver Glenn and Sweetwater are dredged by the Forest Service with equipment that the concessionaire rents with GT fees. This work includes using large suction equipment to remove dirt and debris trapping the flow of water out of the vents. The work is done in nonpeak season and takes 5 days to set up and complete with little impact to the recreating public. For the most part the springs stay open during this time to public use. The schedule for this work is: Alexander Springs 2019, Juniper Springs 2019, Sweetwater Spring 2020, and Silver Glenn Spring 2020. • Other construction – The Ocala National Forest Spring Management Strategy, an internal document finalized in the fall of 2018, outlines strategies and goals to restore and improve the health of these springs. Construction activities associated with restoration work may create short and long term public use restrictions. As of June, 2019 a schedule of these construction activities and a time line has not been prioritized or funded.

E. Administrative Use If the Forest Service requires the permit holder to provide a service for the agency, the permit holder will be compensated for that use.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest F. Applicable Forest Orders Forest orders that address the facilities listed in this prospectus can be found in Appendix 4, Forest Orders. In addition, forest orders may be issued to address a variety of management concerns on a particular forest. Other current forest orders can be viewed by visiting the Ocala National Forest website at (https://www.fs.usda.gov/ocala)

G. Fee Tickets and Compilation of Use and Revenue Data The permit holder must provide fee tickets to visitors that include at least the following information: • The site number and total amount paid. • The date of issuance and number of days paid for. • If a pass is used, the pass number. • The number of people in the group. • The number of vehicles and their license plate numbers.

The permit holder must provide use and revenue data to the Forest Service (see Appendix 5 of the prospectus for a sample use report). Use reports must be completed monthly and at the end of the operating season for each developed recreation site, provided that when the holder performs GT fee offset work in lieu of paying the land use fee in cash, use reports may be submitted quarterly, rather than monthly. At a minimum, monthly and year-end use reports must include: • The total number of units occupied based on daily counts. • The total number of people based on daily counts. • The percentage of occupancy by month. • Total recreation fee revenue. • Total fee revenue for other goods and services. • The total number of Camp Stamps collected. • The total number of passes used. In addition, year-end use reports must include: • Total fee revenue collected under the NRRS. • Total taxes paid. • Total gross revenue. • Total net revenue.

H. Customer Service Comment Cards The permit holder must provide a customer service comment card to visitors at each developed recreation site (see Appendix 6 of the prospectus).

I. Performance Evaluations At a minimum, the Forest Service will perform a year-end performance evaluation within four months of the close of the operating season (see Appendix 7). An unsatisfactory rating may be cause for suspension or revocation of the special use permit. Sustained satisfactory performance is required for a permit extension.

J. Accessibility The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 require new or altered facilities to be accessible, with few exceptions. In 2004, the Architectural 58

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) issued revised accessibility guidelines for buildings and facilities subject to the ABA and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These new guidelines are called the ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines. In 2006, the Forest Service issued the Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG). The FSORAG addresses types of recreational facilities including developed recreation sites that are not covered by ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines.

Any Government maintenance, reconditioning, renovation, or improvement (see section III.C) must meet ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines, where applicable, as well as the FSORAG.

The FSORAG and the ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines are posted on the Forest Service’s website at http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/accessibility. Questions regarding ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines may be referred to the Access Board at www.access- board.gov. Questions regarding the FSORAG may be referred to the accessibility coordinator for the local National Forest.

The permit holder is responsible for ensuring effective communication with visitors with disabilities, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, so that all visitors may obtain information on accessible services, activities, and facilities.

K. Camping Unit Capacity Number of Vehicles Per Camping Unit The Ocala National forest allows 2 vehicles and 5 people per single family camping site. This is defined as one vehicle and one camper. A “vehicle” is defined as any motorized conveyance, except that for purposes of vehicular capacity, two motorcycles are considered one vehicle.

Additional vehicles may be allowed at a camping unit, if the camping unit can safely accommodate them. When extra vehicles are allowed, an extra fee of up to 50 percent of the camping unit fee may be charged for each extra vehicle. If an extra vehicle exceeds the camping unit capacity (i.e., the extra vehicle causes a safety hazard or resource damage), the customer may be required to pay for an additional camping unit or park in an overflow parking area, if available. One towed vehicle per single camping unit will be allowed for no extra charge if it can be parked completely on the surfaced area and does not create a safety hazard. Examples of towed vehicles include a boat trailer or a car towed by a motor home.

The capacity established for group sites is as follows: 1. Bucks Lake Group Campground: 1 site, 50 people, 25 vehicles 2. Mill Dam Group Campground: 1 sites, 150 people,100 vehicles

The capacity established for day use sites is as follows: 1. Alexander Day Use: 100 paved parking spaces 2. Clearwater Lake Day Use: 25 paved parking spaces 3. Hopkins Prairie Boat Launch: 8 native surface parking spaces 4. Juniper Day Use: 100 paved parking spaces 5. Juniper Wayside Area: 14 paved parking spaces 6. MillDam Day Use: 75 paved parking spaces 7. Silver Glenn Springs Day Use: 100 native surface parking spaces 8. Wildcat Day Use: 36 paved parking spaces 59

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

L. Stay Limit Campers at overnight sites will be limited to 14-day stay limit at any single individual overnight site of any calendar year (see Appendix 4, Forest Orders).

M. Fees Charged to the Public The permit holder may charge the public fees only to the extent that the Forest Service can charge recreation fees under REA. All recreation fees must be specified per developed recreation site. The holder must honor the proposed pricing through the first full operating season. Thereafter, the holder may propose price adjustments with justification.

Permit holders may not charge for any of the following: • Solely for parking, undesignated parking, or picnicking along roads or trail sides. • General access, unless specifically authorized by REA. • Dispersed areas with low or no investment, unless specifically authorized by REA. • Persons who are driving through, walking through, boating through, horseback riding through, or hiking through NFS lands without using the recreational facilities and services for which a fee is charged. • Camping at undeveloped sites that do not provide the minimum number of facilities and services prescribed by REA. • Use of overlooks or scenic pullouts. • Travel by private, noncommercial vehicle over any national parkway or any road or highway in the Federal-aid System that is commonly used by the public as a means of travel between two places, either or both of which are outside an area in which recreation fees are charged. • Travel by private, noncommercial vehicle, boat, or aircraft over any road, highway, waterway, or airway to any land in which the person traveling has a property right, if the land is in an area in which recreation fees are charged. • Any person who has a right of access for hunting or fishing privileges under a specific provision of law or treaty. • Any person who is engaged in the conduct of official federal, state, tribal, or local government business. • Special attention or extra services necessary to meet the needs of the disabled.

N. Law Enforcement Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2342.1, Exhibit 01, addresses the law enforcement authorities and responsibilities of concessionaires, state and local law enforcement agencies, and the Forest Service at concession campgrounds. See Appendix 8 of the prospectus.

O. Other Pertinent Information a. Employee Housing During the term of the permit, host sites will be available in most campgrounds (See Site Descriptions, Tables 3-17). There are 25 host sites; 24 offering water, sewer and electric utilities and 1 host site with septic tank only. Storage of materials, equipment and/or maintenance of equipment will be strictly prohibited in the campgrounds and on other National Forest System lands unless authorized by the Forest Service.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest The concessionaire is responsible for assuring that employees of the concessionaire do not store food or dispose of food outside of trailers or other enclosed living spaces, and that food is removed seasonally to prevent unwanted wildlife encounters, especially bears. Concessionaire’s employees are not allowed to scatter birdseed or hang birdfeeders, including hummingbird feeders, as these may attract unwanted rodents, bees or ants. Salt licks are also not allowed. b. Resource Concerns Vegetation – All aquatic and shoreline vegetation are to be left alone. Aquatic plants perform vital functions in the underwater ecosystem and even the slightest disturbance can irrevocably harm certain species. If it is determined that aquatic plants need to be removed form a recreation area the FS must be consulted before any action takes place. In most cases this will result in FS personnel visiting the site and advising. Shoreline vegetation also plays an important role in shoreline stabilization. Shoreline vegetation is not to be mowed down, trimmed or pulled without consulting with FS personnel. Approved aquatic herbicides will typically be recommended to manage vegetation in a swimming area. If brush or trees along the bank die naturally the debris can be removed. At Silver Glen overgrown brush has historically destabilized the shoreline and has recently been removed and treated to reduce regrowth. At Silver Glen, salt bush and wax myrtle may be pruned between the shoreline and the day use area fence as needed (maybe monthly but quarterly would probably suffice) this will help keep the shoreline from destabilizing further and will also maintain improved sight lines for visitors and staff.

Erosion – Because of Florida’s sandy soil, all slopes leading down to water or a wetland are highly susceptible to erosion. The best way to combat this is to maintain rooted vegetation and native ground cover where ever possible. In the past concentrated foot traffic and golf cart traffic have denuded areas of vegetation and ground cover. To avoid contributing to the detrimental effects of public visitation concession employees should stay on sidewalks and improved pathways as much as possible and golf carts should not be used in the day use areas. The concessionaire will be responsible to maintain or clean culverts and other erosion control structures including but not limited to retaining walls, stairs, and fences within all of the sites offered and if these sustain damage the concessionaire will notify the Forest Service Representative. c. Wildlife Mitigation The facilities offered in this prospectus are located within the area managed according to the Ocala National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. Special procedures are required to assess the effect of proposed recreation site management activities, including all types of vegetation management and surface disturbing activities, including the range of sensitive species and managed species. Any soil disturbing activities must evaluate the potential of introducing or disturbing invasive plants and seeds in or into the work area from tools and/or machinery. The concessionaire must initiate contact well in advance of implementation, and coordinate closely with the Forest Service prior to beginning vegetation management activities or work requiring surface disturbance. The Forest Service must approve activities before the work begins. The activity cannot proceed until the Forest Service has completed the required environmental review. The Forest Service will expedite the environmental review process to the best of its ability, but cannot be responsible for any loss of revenue due to delays resulting from the environmental review processes required by law.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest Food Storage. The concessionaire is responsible for assuring that employees of the concessionaire do not store food or dispose of food outside of trailers or other enclosed living spaces, and that food is removed seasonally to prevent unwanted wildlife encounters, especially bears. Concessionaire’s employees are not allowed to scatter birdseed or hang birdfeeders, including hummingbird feeders, as these may attract unwanted rodents, bees or ants. Salt licks are also not allowed.

Alligators – Like all native wildlife, alligators are not to be fed or harassed. They don’t like people and generally don’t want to be around busy areas but they will be seen in all of the listed sites at some point in time. Nuisance alligators can be removed by a licensed trapper and that process is handled through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) by calling 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). Not all alligators are nuisance alligators and they should not be reported unless they pose a true safety threat to visitors. Examples of dangerous alligators would include those who have lost their fear of humans (typically due to feeding) and large alligators (8’ or more) that persist in a visitor area. Typically larger alligators may show up but will move off rather quickly while smaller alligators may become resident alligators and remain for days or even a season. Alligators are to be viewed from afar and not approached or chased off. If an alligator needs to be removed that task is left for the professionals.

Snakes – Not every snake in the water is a venomous water moccasin but most are mistakenly identified as such. Florida is host to several species of water snakes and many other species that prefer aquatic environments. No snake in Florida is territorial or aggressive and all snakes should be left alone. Most snake bites come from individuals who have decided to harass or kill a snake and have engaged that snake instead of leaving it alone. If a snake is found in a high use recreation area it should be identified and avoided. Typically that snake will slink away at the first opportunity to avoid any conflict. When snakes shed, their eyesight is greatly hindered and they may become less likely to flee. If a snake persists in a highly trafficked area people should be diverted away from that area until the snake moves off.

Striped bass – These fish use the relatively cool waters of Silver Glen as refuge from the high water temperatures of the St. Johns River during the summer months. Striped bass will enter the spring area and remain for months. Having large concentrations of fish in a small area is stressful to the fish and concession personnel should avoid contributing to that stress. When striped bass are present in the spring they should not be disturbed if at all possible and should never be pursued. As visitation increases throughout the day the bass typically congregate in the restricted spring vent behind the roped off area. This area should never be entered by concession personnel except in an emergency. The restricted area of Silver Glen is only to be accessed by emergency personnel, special use permit holders, FS personnel or cooperators.

Black Bears Because developed recreation sites are often located near water resources and recreation users bring food with them, developed sites have high potential for bear and human interactions. Therefore, responsibly run concessionaire sites are crucial to ensure public safety and to maintain the wild nature of the black bears and other species that inhabit the areas both within the recreation sites and across the Forest.

Concessionaire employees should have thorough knowledge of the current Food Storage Order (Order No. 2009-01) included in Appendix 4 and be committed to monitor and enforce compliance of the Order. Employees should also have thorough knowledge of the Ocala 62

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest National Forest Action Plan for Black Bear Conflicts in USFS Developed Recreation Campgrounds (see Appendix 25). This action plan provides a series of actions in response to levels of potential bear-human interactions. All new employees should be trained on the Food Storage Order and the Bear Conflict Action Plan as part of job orientation.

Damaged or non-functioning bear-proof trash containers should be replaced as soon as possible (some exist at Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs Recreation Area).

Wild hog removal Wild hogs can quickly damage ground vegetation by rooting up and trampling vegetation. Wild hog presence needs to be addressed quickly to prevent significant damage to the site. Concessionaire will need to contract with a qualified trapper for assessments, trapping, removal/killing, and monitoring. A recommended but not required resource for hog removal is the USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Feral Swine Damage Management program. No firearms may be used on site other than USDA APHIS personnel. Only live trapping can be employed in recreation sites, and killing of hogs must be done off-site. Disposal of hogs would be coordinated with Ocala NF personnel if the general Forest Area (i.e., any areas outside of recreation area) is to be used for disposal.

d. Endangered Species and Threatened Species There are numerous endangered plant and animal species that occur or have to the potential to occur within the offering area. Adherence to prospectus guidelines for erosion, vegetation management, vehicle access, and visitor compliance (e.g., staying on trails, no feeding or harassment of wildlife) ensure that species occurring within the offering area are not impacted by recreation or associated maintenance activities. New species occurrences found by USFS staff within the offering area will be communicated to concessionaire staff when necessary.

Manatee – Florida manatee are a federally threatened species and are known to frequent Silver Glen and Salt Springs run (manatee typically cannot enter Salt Springs due to depth but if water levels are high they may be found within the concession site). During the winter months they seek refuge from cold water temperatures found in the St. Johns River and shelter in the relative warm waters of the springs and spring runs. If these protected animals enter the concession site they are not to be fed, watered or harassed. Viewing from a distance is encouraged but they are not to be approached or touched. If manatees approach anyone they should be backed away from and not engaged.

e. Archaeological Resources Archaeological sites have been identified at all of the sites offered in this prospectus but a heavier concentration of sites has been identified at Alexander Springs Complex, Juniper Springs Complex and Silver Glenn Spring Area. A list of National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA, 1966) eligible structures include: • Juniper Springs Recreation Area: Mill House, Limestone Foot path Bridge, Limestone BBQ pit, Limestone-lined swimming area, 3 wooden pavilions • Sweetwater Cabin

A concessionaire has responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA). Any work on a historic structure requires consultation with the Forest Heritage Program Manager (archaeologist) before any maintenance is undertaken. Further, just because

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest there are no listed historic structures on sites, there may be subsurface features that also need to be accounted for and protected. No ground disturbing activities may be conducted on any Federal property without first consulting the Forest Heritage Program Manager. Depending on the actions proposed and the sites involved, the review process can take up to several months. Routine activities such as replacing barrier or sign posts can be efficiently approved, but must be addressed through an Annual Operating Plan or other written approval. New construction and soil disturbance is prohibited at Silver Glenn Springs due to concentrated and valuable heritage sites. Therefore, camp sites, vault toilets and/or flush toilet facilities and additional utilities are prohibited to construct and reconstruct. f. Condition of Trees Annual removal of dead trees caused by low level chronic mortality from on-going drought conditions, wind storms and hurricanes occurs regularly in all developed recreation sites on the Ocala National Forest. The overall condition of the tree stands in the recreation sites on the Ocala National Forest is good compared to neighboring lands. This is due to forest staff taking an active and consistent approach to managing stands.

In addition to drought conditions and overstocking of stands the forested campgrounds are exposed to additional stress factors that can compromise their health and vigor. Firewood collecting sometimes leads to tree wounding from hatchets and saws. Carving and chopping trunks can cause extensive cambium damage and an open wound for insects and diseases to enter the tree. Foot and vehicle traffic compacts soil and can damage roots. Posting public information signs at campground entrances may help increase awareness of the human impact on campground tree health.

g. Hazard Tree Removal The permit holder will have to conduct pre-season inspection of all of the sites in this offering to identify existing and potential hazards, including hazard trees. The permit holder also will be responsible for monitoring and identifying hazard trees during the operating season. After securing written approval from the authorized officer, the permit holder’s financial responsibility for removing hazard trees and associated slash will not exceed 1% of the gross revenue generated by the concession the previous year. For example, a concessionaire with gross revenue of less than $200,000 should be responsible for up to $2,000 for hazard tree removal. However, a concessionaire with gross revenue of $500,000 may be responsible for up to $5,000 for hazard tree removal.

The annual operating plan will address appropriate disposal of hazard trees and slash. Additional hazard tree removal may be considered for a Granger-Thye Fee Offset Agreement after the permit holder has met their financial responsibility and with prior approval from the authorized officer. The USFS, Region 8, Hazardous Tree Guide is available to use as a reference tool in conducting hazard tree inspections.

h. Butane and Propane Installations For safety and regulatory reasons, the permit holder is not allowed to install or store bulk butane or propane.

i. Hurricane or Tropical Storm Evacuation and Response Plan The applicant will develop a Tropical Storm and Hurricane Emergency Evacuation Plan to facilitate a safe evacuation or shelter in the event of a hurricane. The plan will be included in 64

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest the Annual Operating Plan and submitted with the application for this prospectus. The plan shall include but is not limited to: an evacuation notice (written and oral) and warning system for hurricane watch and warning, how the applicant will work with local and Forest Service law enforcement to implement the plan, identify any designated emergency storm shelters in the sites or in the community that are close to the sites, roles of concessionaire employees in the plan, shut down plan to protect the facilities (glass windows, garbage cans, watercraft, etc), when, where and how often this plan is taught to concession employees, after landfall procedures to get facilities operating safely. j. Boating Safety Plan and Rehaul Plan The applicant will develop a Boating Safety Plan to facilitate safe boating practices for the rental of watercraft to the public and rehaul services. The plan will be included in the Annual Operating Plan and submitted with the application for this prospectus. The plan shall include but is not limited to: type of watercraft to be rented, type of vehicles used for rehaul services, list safety educational materials and how/when they are used with renting public (videos, verbal safety talks, handouts), education materials on wilderness values, list mandatory safety items each visitor/watercraft (lifejackets, whistle, first aid kit, etc.), weight limits or age limits of patrons renting watercraft, regulations and rules (no food/drink, no firearms, no pets, etc.) employee training on rentals and educating the public, employees assigned to the water (life guards, someone to float the water during the day, etc.), safety procedures for loading and unloading watercraft at the launches, transporting watercraft from storage areas to the launches, procedure for tracking visitors down the run and back again, vehicle rehaul procedures and safety (loading watercraft on trailer, wear seatbelts, securing the loads on trailer, employee training, licensing for driving larger vehicles and towing trailers, etc.).

k. Interpretive Programs and Plan The permit holder will be required to offer year round interpretive and educational activities at the following facilities offered in this prospectus: • Alexander Springs Recreation Area • Clearwater Lake Recreation Area • Juniper Springs Recreation Area • Silver Glen Springs Day Use Area

The permit holder can also offer interpretive and educational activities at these optional sites: • Buck Lake Group Campground • Hopkins Prairie Campground and Day Use Area • Juniper Wayside Canoe Launch • Mill Dam Day Use Area and Boat Launch • Wildcat Lake Day Use Area

The applicant needs to submit an interpretive plan that defines the types of programs, themes, time of year, staff responsible to develop and give the programs that they will offer for each of the sites above. The plan will be updated in the Annual Operating Plan annually. Safety messages must consistently be included in all programs and activities. The Ocala National Forest Interpretive Plan (draft) gives guidance on the goals and objectives of educational programs (see Appendix 24). In general, there are three major themes required to be covered and include: 1. Essential question 1: What is the significance of the Ocala National Forest? 65

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest a. There is nowhere else like this. b. There is no substitute for this place. [The natural systems of the Ocala National Forest protect the quality of air, water, and life in the region] c. Human life is woven through this place. [The Ocala National Forest preserves a rich human history—and supports a human future]. 2. Essential question 2: Why and how does the Forest Service manage these lands? a. This is public land. [For over 100 years, the US Forest Service has been studying and managing the Ocala National Forest]. b. You can trust us to take care of this place. [The Forest Service actively manages the Ocala National Forest to preserve its rich habitats and heritage]. 3. Essential question 3: How can I contribute positively to the stewardship of the Ocala National Forest? a. This landscape is threatened. [Careless and unheeding human actions can destroy the Ocala National Forest’s habitats and heritage, and can take away the things we enjoy about it]. b. We need your help to manage the Ocala National Forest. [By respecting the carefully- considered rules of conduct here, and by sharing your experience with others, you become part of the Ocala’s living trust].

III. Special Use Permit

In exercising the rights and privileges granted by the special use permit, the permit holder must comply with all present and future federal laws and regulations and all present and future state, county, and municipal laws, regulations, and other legal requirements that apply to the permit area, to the extent they do not conflict with federal law, regulation, or policy. The Forest Service assumes no responsibility for enforcing laws, regulations, and other legal requirements that fall under the jurisdiction of other governmental entities.

A. Permit Term The permit term will be for up to 5 years, with an option to extend the term for up to an additional 5 years at the sole discretion of the authorized officer. The decision to extend the term will depend, in part, on sustained satisfactory performance of the permit holder. Upon expiration of the permit, continuation of the permitted activity will be at the sole discretion of the authorized officer and will be subject to a competitive offering. A new prospectus will be issued during the final year of the permit term.

If the decision to select a permit holder is appealed, a permit will not be issued until the appeal has been resolved, unless operation is needed during the appeal, in which case a permit with a term of one year or less may be issued.

B. Permit Holder Responsibilities This section highlights the requirements of the special use permit, which is contained in Appendix 10 of the prospectus. Applicants are responsible for familiarizing themselves with all permit requirements that govern the operation covered by this prospectus.

a. Responsibility for Day-to-Day Activities As a general rule, the holder will be required to conduct the day-to-day activities authorized by the permit. Some, but not all, of these activities may be conducted by someone other than the

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest permit holder, but only with the prior written approval of the authorized officer. The permit holder will continue to be responsible for compliance with all the terms of the permit. b. Permit Holder-Furnished Supplies and Equipment The permit holder will be required to provide all personnel, vehicles, equipment, and supplies necessary to operate the authorized developed recreation sites in accordance with the special use permit.

c. Holder-Furnished Vehicles The permit holder may not use all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, or motor-bicycles in the campgrounds. The holder may propose use of golf carts or other similar vehicles to facilitate daily maintenance of the facilities. Motorized wheeled vehicles are not allowed past the store at Silver Glen Springs. If authorized, carts must stay on designated roads or trails while driving between sites or loops.

d. Holder Maintenance, Reconditioning, or Renovation (MRR) Maintenance, reconditioning, and renovation are defined in the permit (FS-2700-4h, clause IV.E.1(a), (c)). Holder MRR is defined as maintenance, reconditioning, or renovation that neither materially adds to the value of the property nor appreciably prolongs its life. The work serves only to keep the facility in an ordinary, efficient operating condition. From an accounting or tax perspective, it is work that may be expensed, but not capitalized. In fulfilling these responsibilities, the holder must obtain any licenses and certified inspections required by regulatory agencies and follow state and local laws, regulations, and ordinances and industry standards or codes applicable to the permitted operation (FS-2700-4h, clause IV.E.1(d)). The permit holder, at its expense, will be required to perform holder MRR under a holder MRR plan (FS-2700-4h, clause II.D). The holder MRR plan will describe required holder MRR and its frequency. The holder MRR plan will become part of the permit holder's annual operating plan.

C. Granger-Thye Fee Offset Agreement The federal government owns all the improvements at the developed recreation sites covered by this prospectus. Under Section 7 of the Granger-Thye (GT) Act and the terms of the permit, the permit fee may be offset in whole or in part by the value of Government maintenance, reconditioning, renovation, and improvement (MRRI) performed at the permit holder’s expense. Government MRRI is defined as maintenance, reconditioning, renovation, or improvement that arrests deterioration, improves and upgrades facilities, and appreciably prolongs the life of the property. Government maintenance, reconditioning, renovation or improvement, whether performed by the holder or the Forest Service, shall be performed at the sole discretion of the authorized officer. See Appendix 4 of the prospectus and FS-2700-4h, clause IV.E.

All Government MRRI shall be enumerated in an annual GT fee offset agreement signed by the holder and the Forest Service in advance of the operating season (see Appendix 11 of the prospectus and FS-2700-4h, Appendix B). Alternatively, a multi-year fee GT fee offset agreement can be prepared for consolidated fee payments. A list of sample Government MRRI projects is included in Appendix 12 of the prospectus.

Either the holder or the Forest Service may perform GT fee offset work. This determination will be made annually. When the holder performs GT fee offset work, if it includes construction that costs more than $2,000, it is subject to the Davis-Bacon Act and the fee offset agreement must

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest contain Davis-Bacon Act wage provisions. Additionally, indirect costs may be offset provided the holder submits either a currently approved indirect cost rate or accounting procedures and supporting documentation to determine an indirect cost rate (see Appendix 13 of the prospectus).

The holder’s claims for GT fee offset must be documented using the FS-2700-4h, Appendix G, Granger-Thye Fee Offset Certification Form (see Appendix 14 of the prospectus). This form requires the holder to itemize allowable costs incurred for an approved GT fee offset project and to certify the accuracy and completeness of claims.

When the Forest Service performs GT fee offset work, the holder will deposit fee payments into a CWFS account. The Forest Service will perform GT fee offset work under a collection agreement and offset those costs against the permit holder’s annual permit fee (see FS-2700-4h, clause IV.E.3, and Appendix 15 of the prospectus). The Forest Service’s indirect costs may be offset at the agency’s approved rate. The Forest Service and the holder will agree on the work to be performed in advance of each operating season.

D. Insurance a. Liability Insurance The successful applicant must have liability insurance covering losses associated with the use and occupancy authorized by the permit arising from personal injury or death and third-party property damage in the minimum amount of $100,000 for injury or death to one person per occurrence; $300,000 for injury or death to more than one person per occurrence; and $25,000 for third-party property damage per occurrence, or in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 as a combined single limit per occurrence. Insurance policies must name the United States as an additional insured (see Appendix 10 of the prospectus and FS-2400-4h, clause III.I).

b. Property Insurance Property insurance will be required for but not limited to all buildings, restroom buildings and RV Sewer Waste Stations and their associated utilities, vaults, septic tanks and evaporation ponds/leach fields, the host site associated utilities, septic tanks and leach fields, Cabin- Sweetwater, Cabin-Lake Dorr, site tables/rings/bear boxes, bulletin boards and the 9 water systems including well pumps, lines, storage tanks, hydrants, water fountains and valves in the amount of $7,700,000 for approximately 80% replacement in kind of the insured property (see Appendix 3, Inventory of Government Furnished Property for the complete list and replacement costs). IV. Application

A. Instructions for Submitting Applications Applicants should submit one application for all of the developed recreation sites offered in this prospectus. All sites are located on the Lake George and Seminole Ranger Districts on the Ocala National Forest.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the sites at least once before submitting an application (see Appendices 1 and 2, for vicinity maps and site maps). Forest Service guided site visits are tentatively scheduled for the fall of 2019.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest The information in this prospectus is from generally reliable sources, but no warranty is made as to its accuracy. Each applicant is expected to make an independent assessment of the business opportunity offered in this prospectus.

All application packages must be submitted to:

Kelly Russell, Forest Supervisor, Ocala National Forest, National Forests of Florida 325 John Knox road, Suite F-100 Tallahassee, FL 32303.

Application packages must be received by: close of business (4:30 p.m., EST) on Tuesday, October 1, 2019.

Applicants must submit 5 (five) copies of their application package and supporting documents.

Please ensure that all requested information is submitted. Missing or incomplete information will result in a lower rating for the corresponding evaluation criteria.

Applications must be signed. The person signing for an entity must have authority to sign for that entity. Applicants must include their address, telephone number, facsimile number, and email address.

Corporations also must include: • Evidence of incorporation and good standing. • If reasonably obtainable, the name and address of each shareholder owning 3 percent or more of the corporation’s shares and the number and percentage of any class of voting shares that each shareholder is authorized to vote. • The name and address of each affiliate of the corporation. • If an affiliate is controlled by the corporation, the number of shares and the percentage of any class of voting stock of the affiliate owned, directly or indirectly, by the corporation. • If an affiliate controls the corporation, the number of shares and the percentage of any class of voting stock of the corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the affiliate.

Partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), associations, or other unincorporated entities must submit a certified copy of the partnership agreement or other documentation establishing the entity or a certificate of good standing under the laws of the state where the entity is located.

Applicants should contact Derrick Washington, Natural Resource Specialist, at 386-752-2577, [email protected], or Ashley Wright, Lands Program Manager, 850-523-8591, [email protected] located at 325 John Knox Road, Suite F-100 Tallahassee, FL 32303, regarding any questions related to this prospectus.

B. General Terms, Qualifications, and Reservations All applicants have an equal opportunity to apply. Except for members of Congress, Resident Commissioners, and current Forest Service employees, any individual or entity may apply.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest The Forest Service does not guarantee a profitable operation. Rather, applicants are responsible for reviewing the prospectus and making their own determination concerning business viability.

The Forest Service will select the application that offers the best value to the Government. The Forest Service reserves the right to select the successful applicant based on a trade-off between the fee to the Government and technical merit.

The Forest Service is not obligated to accept the application with the highest return to the Government.

The Forest Service reserves the right to select the successful applicant based solely on the initial application, without oral or written discussions.

The Forest Service reserves the right to reject any or all applications and to rescind the prospectus at any time before a special use permit is issued.

Any oral statement made by a representative of the Forest Service shall not modify the requirements of this prospectus. If it is determined that an error or omission has been made or additional information is required, a written amendment will be sent to each person or entity receiving a copy of this prospectus. If there is a conflict between the terms of the prospectus and the special use permit, the terms of the permit will control.

The Forest Service is proposing a revision to FSM 2344.3 to address how passes and passports are honored in the concession program. The agency reserves the right to amend the special use permit consistent with any change to that directive. In addition, the Forest Service reserves the right to amend the special use permit, to make it consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including REA; other Forest Service directives; or other management decisions.

The information contained in applications will be kept confidential to the extent permitted under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a).

C. Application Package Requirements Applications must be in writing and must include or address the following: • A proposed annual operating plan (including required and optional services), • A business plan, business experience, and references, • Financial resources, • Fees charged to the public, • Fee to the government, • Application processing fee, and • Small Business Development Center (SBDC) review fee, if applicable (see section IV.C.2). a. Proposed Annual Operating Plan (Including Required and Optional Services) Applicants must submit a proposed annual operating plan that addresses all required and optional services. Applicants must utilize the sample annual operating plan (see Appendix 9 of the prospectus) to organize their response to this section. Please include an Interpretive Education and Outreach Plan, a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Response and Evacuation Plan, Boating 70

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest Safety Plan, and Juniper Springs Safety Rehaul Plan (for Guests & Watercraft returning to Juniper Springs) for all sites listed in this prospectus. The successful applicant’s proposed operating plan will be attached to and become a part of the special use permit.

Applicants must specify whether another party will assist with any of the operational aspects of the concession, and if so, must include the other party’s name, address, telephone number, email address, and relevant experience.

Below are highlights of what needs to be addressed in the proposed annual operating plan. For more detail, see the sample annual operating plan in Appendix 9 of the prospectus.

1. Operating Season All facilities, if weather allows, shall be open 365 days a year. Applicants need to propose the period in which they will operate the sites listed in the prospectus. All sites must be open and operational seven days per week unless a Forest Service closure order is in effect.

2. Staffing Applicants must address appropriate staffing to meet customer service and cleanliness standards. The holder will be responsible for furnishing all personnel for the developed recreation sites and for adequately training and supervising their activities under the terms of the permit. The holder must meet requirements of federal and state laws governing employment, wages, and worker safety. Applicants should address worker hours and schedules. Applicants also should address staff training for effective customer service, conflict resolution, area-specific emergency procedures, and dissemination of recreation and tourism information.

3. Supervision and Management Applicants must designate an individual to serve as the agent of the holder for purposes of administration of the permit by the Forest Service. The designated agent must periodically review attendant performance on site and must be available to resolve repair needs within 24 hours of discovery or notification. The holder will be responsible for the conduct of its employees, including preventing conduct prohibited by 36 CFR part 261, Subpart A, and ensuring that employees are not under the influence of intoxicating beverages or narcotic drugs while on duty or representing the holder. Applicants also must include a policy for removing employees who engage in inappropriate conduct.

4. Uniforms and Vehicle Identification Applicants should describe employee uniforms, insignia, name tags, and the applicants’ policy for ensuring a clean, professional appearance by staff while on duty. The holder’s employees may not wear any component of the Forest Service uniform. Additionally, applicants should address their policy for vehicle maintenance and appearance; types of vehicles to be used for operations (vehicles may not be driven off designated roads or trails); and signage to identify the concessionaire to the public.

b. Business Plan, Business Experience, and References Applicants must submit a business plan utilizing the format in Appendix 16 of the prospectus. This part of the application package must be a separate document. The business plan provides a thorough analysis of an applicant’s vision of the proposed business. A good business plan is essential for running a successful business, maintaining and improving the business, and raising needed capital. 71

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

Applicants must furnish a detailed description of their experience relating to operating and maintaining developed recreation sites (e.g., campgrounds, beaches, and marinas). The description must include experience in private business, public service, or any nonprofit or other related enterprises. Applicants are encouraged to contact their local SBDC if they need assistance in completing their business plans. Alternatively, applicants who have already received a review of their business plan from an SBDC or the Forest Service for the current fiscal year may submit a copy of the review report.

1. Small Business Development Center Review All business plans will be independently reviewed by a Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Applicants are required to submit two (2) copies of their business plan. If an applicant’s current fiscal year business plan has already been reviewed by an SBDC, then the applicant may submit a copy of the review report.

Along with a business plan, applicants also must submit a bank draft, money order, or cashier’s check in the amount of $250.00 made payable to Alaska SBDC. Applicants submitting a current fiscal year review report by the Forest Service or an SBDC need not enclose payment.

2. Performance Evaluations Applicants who have experience in managing Forest Service or other Government concessions must provide copies of the most recent annual written performance evaluations for each Forest Service or other concession the applicants have operated or are operating.

3. References Applicants also must furnish three business references with names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses in support of relevant business experience. These references will be contacted for information regarding applicants’ past performance. In addition, the Forest Service may consider past performance information from other sources.

c. Financial Resources Applicants must submit a complete set of all financial statements for the last three fiscal years that have been audited, reviewed, or compiled by a certified public accountant (CPA). For any financial statements that were only compiled by a CPA, applicants must complete FS-6500-24, Financial Statement (see Appendix 17 of the prospectus) for certification of the accuracy of the financial statements.

Applicants must complete FS-6500-24 for any of the last three fiscal years they were in business for which a financial statement was not audited, reviewed, or compiled by a CPA. An applicant who has had a financial ability determination (FAD) conducted within the past year should include a statement to that effect along with the forest name, contact name and telephone number, Additionally, applicants must identify any pending applications or new permits obtained from the Forest Service since the FAD was completed.

In completing FS-6500-24, LLCs must list the name of the company in block 1, the names and interests of the principals in block 5, and their members should be listed in block 6. In addition, LLCs must complete the certification in Part (D)(1) of FS-6500-24.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest An applicant who has not been in business for the last three fiscal years, and therefore cannot submit audited, reviewed, or compiled financial statements or an FS-6500-24, must submit three fiscal years of projected financial statements compiled by a CPA using the forecast method.

Any financial information submitted by applicants must conform to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or other comprehensive bases of accounting. Any previously prepared financial documents that are submitted must be unredacted and in their original form, including footnotes.

Applicants must show at least 25 percent of the first year of operating costs in liquid assets. Liquid assets are assets that are readily converted into cash.

Applicants also must complete blocks 1 through 5 of form FS-6500-25, Request for Verification (see Appendix 18 of the prospectus) and submit the signed and dated form with the application. The Forest Service will forward the FS-6500-25 for the most qualified applicant to the Albuquerque Service Center for processing. The auditor assigned to conduct the FAD will send a copy to each financial institution with which the applicant does business. The financial institutions must complete blocks 6 through15 of the form and mail the completed form to USDA Forest Service, Attention: Auditor, ASC-B&F, 101 B Sun Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. d. Fees Charged to the Public Applicants must provide a list of all fees they propose to charge to the public for the first three years of operation, including fees for required and optional services (see Appendix 9, Sample Annual Operating Plan, for a list of required and optional services). Discuss any variable pricing, discounts, and passes. All proposed fees to be charged to the public also must be included in the business plan as an income item.

The Forest Service reserves the right to regulate the rates charged to the public. e. Fee to the Government The Government is obligated to obtain fair market value for the use of its land and improvements. The minimum fee is $63,646 per year. The minimum fee is the concession’s average gross revenue for the past three years multiplied by the current 30-year Treasury bond rate. The minimum fee will be adjusted at the end of the first five years of the permit term if the permit is extended for five years.

Minimum Fee Calculation Year Gross Revenue

2016……………$1,795,250 2017……………$2,065,716 2018……………$2,219,877

Total gross revenue ÷ 3 = average gross revenue $6,080,843 ÷ 3 = $2,026,947

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest Average gross revenue multiplied by the current 30-year Treasury bond rate = the minimum annual fee. In the following example, the 30-year Treasury bond rate is 3.14 percent.

$2,026,947 x 0.0314 = $63,646 minimum annual fee

Applicants may propose a fee below the minimum, provided they can document why this amount represents fair market value. However, the Forest Service may reject the proposed fee if the agency determines that it does not reflect fair market value.

Applicants must propose the fee to the Government as a percentage of the concession’s adjusted gross revenue. One percentage may be proposed for the entire permit term, or the percentage may vary each year. However, if a consolidated fee payment will be proposed, one percentage rate must be proposed for the entire period of consolidated payments.

The proposed fee to the Government also must be included in the business plan as an expense item in the cash flow projections.

The fee to the Government may be offset in whole or in part by the value of Government MRRI, performed at the permit holder’s expense in accordance with a GT fee offset agreement (see section III of the prospectus). f. Application Processing Fee Applications submitted in response to this prospectus are subject to cost recovery pursuant to 36 CFR 251.58(c)(1)(ii) and (c)(3)(iii). Applicants must submit a processing fee of $1000 to cover the cost of the prospectus and review of the application. Payments due the United States for this application must be paid in the form of a bank draft, money order, or cashier’s check payable to the USDA-Forest Service. Payments will be credited on the date received by the designated Forest Service collection officer or deposit location. Additionally, the selected applicant will be responsible for the costs of preparing and issuing the permit and conducting a FAD, unless the Forest Service has conducted a FAD for the applicant within the past year. If a FAD has been completed for the applicant within the last 12 months, the applicant will be responsible for the cost of adjusting it to reflect any change this selection will have on the applicant’s financial ability.

D. Evaluation of Applications A Forest Service evaluation panel will evaluate each application utilizing the non-fixed weight method.

The following evaluation criteria are listed in descending order of importance: • Proposed annual operating plan (including required and optional services). o Each section of the operating plan is evaluated separately to get to a final rating. It is important for applicants to clearly and fully address each section. This includes but is not limited to an Interpretive Education and Outreach Plan, a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Response and Evacuation Plan, Boating Safety Plan, and Juniper Springs Safety Rehaul Plan (for Guests & Watercraft returning to Juniper Springs) for all sites listed in this prospectus. • Business plan, business experience, and references.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

o The business plans are rated by the SBDC, who provides a detailed report and single rating for each applicant. o References may be called by the evaluation team. • Financial resources. o The financial resources are reviewed by the SBDC but not rated. Rather, financial ratios are developed and made part of the overall business plan rating. • Fees charged to the public. o Fees should be shown for each site, and for the three-year projection, preferably either in a chart or spreadsheet. • Fee to the Government. o A percentage of the adjusted gross revenue is expected, but not required.

The Forest Service will consider only the applicant’s written application package and any past performance information obtained by the Forest Service. During the evaluation process, the evaluation panel may contact any references, including all federal, state, and local entities that have had a business relationship with the applicant. The evaluation panel also may consider past performance information from other sources.

The evaluation panel will make a recommendation to the authorized officer as to which applicant offers the best value to the Government. The authorized officer will make the selection decision. All applicants will be notified of the successful applicant via certified mail.

The Forest Service will conduct a FAD on the selected applicant as a prerequisite to issuing a special use permit, unless the agency has a current fiscal year FAD conducted by the Albuquerque Service Center or SBDC for another Forest Service unit.

The Forest Service reserves the right to reject any and all applications.

The Forest Service reserves the right to rescind the prospectus at any time before a special use permit is issued. If the Forest Service rescinds the prospectus, application fees will be returned.

V. Post-Selection Requirements Once an applicant has been selected, the following information must be submitted and approved by the Forest Service prior to issuance of a special use permit:

• A final annual operating plan containing all the items included in the annual operating plan submitted in response to the prospectus. • An annual GT fee offset agreement. • Documentation of required liability insurance and, if applicable, property insurance. • Documentation of bonding, if applicable. • Required deposits and advance payments (see Appendix 10 of the prospectus and FS- 2700-4h, clause IV.C.1). • Documentation that utility services have been obtained in the name of the selected applicant. • A state business license and other required federal, state, or local certifications or licenses.

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest The successful applicant will be required to submit all these items within 30 days of the date of the selection letter. If these requirements are not met within the 30-day period, a special use permit will not be issued. The applicant who receives the next-highest rating may then be selected for the special use permit, subject to the same requirements. VI. List of Appendices Appendix 1: Vicinity and Area Maps Appendix 2: Maps of Developed Recreation Sites Appendix 3: Inventory of Government-Furnished Property Appendix 4: Applicable Forest Orders Appendix 5: Sample Use Report Appendix 6: Sample Customer Service Comment Card Appendix 7: Standard Performance Evaluation Form Appendix 8: FSM 2342.1, Exhibit 01, Law Enforcement at Concession Campgrounds Appendix 9: Sample Annual Operating Plan and MRR Plan Appendix 10: FS-2700-4h, Special-Use Permit for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, and Appendix F, Operation of Federally Owned Drinking Water Systems Appendix 11: FS-2700-4h, Appendix B, Granger-Thye Fee Offset Agreement Appendix 12: Potential Government Maintenance, Reconditioning, Renovation, and Improvement Projects Appendix 13: Indirect Cost Reimbursement Letter Appendix 14: FS-2700-4h, Appendix G, Granger-Thye Fee Offset Certification Appendix 15: Sample Collection Agreement for Granger-Thye Fee Offset Work Appendix 16: Sample Business Plan Appendix 17: FS-6500-24, Financial Statement Appendix 18: FS-6500-25, Request for Verification Appendix 19: National Quality Standards for Recreation Site Management (Meaningful Measures) Appendix 20: Ocala National Forest Sign Plan Appendix 21: Repairing and Disinfecting Water Lines Appendix 22: Graffiti Removal Protocols Appendix 23: Photographs of Typical Recreation Sites Appendix 24: Ocala National Forest Interpretive Plan (draft) Appendix 25: Ocala National Forest Action Plan for Black Bear Conflicts in USFS Developed Recreation Campgrounds

VII. Optional Appendices

“Cleaning Recreation Sites” (USDA-Forest Service) Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/pubs/html/95231206/95231206.htm “In Depth Design and Maintenance Manual for Vault Toilets” (USDA-Forest Service) Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/91231601.pdf “Vault Toilet Pumping Contract Specifications and Guidelines for Preparing Contracts” Link: https://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/92231308.pdf

Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Ocala National Forest

Burden and Non-Discrimination Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0596-0082. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 10 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll free at (866) 632-9992 (voice). TDD users can contact USDA through local relay or the Federal relay at (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (relay voice). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) govern the confidentiality to be provided for information received by the Forest Service.