Voyageurs considers campsite reservation system

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. (AP) — Officials at Voyageurs National Park are holding public discussions on whether to launch a campsite reservation system and start charging fees for overnight stays.

Park officials have scheduled a series of public meetings on the plan for next month, capping a series of discussions with stakeholders and communities near the park on Minnesota's northern border.

Park officials say many people want the park to offer reservations, and charge for campsites to help maintain them. They hope it will bring in new users who currently won't consider camping there without a reservation system because the only access to campsites is by boat, and they're first-come, first-served.

Voyageurs Superintendent Mike Ward says park officials believe they've come up with the best formula for maintaining the sites while keeping costs low for users.

Online

Voyageurs National Park:http://www.nps.gov/voya

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.