Jan. 21 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day — will be the first of four fee-free days the U.S. Forest Service will offer on its managed properties this year, including the Allegheny National Forest.

Fees typically are not in effect on nearly 98 percent of national forests and grasslands. The Allegheny National Forest does have fees in place for many day-use areas, boat launches, campgrounds and other sites.

Approximately two-thirds of the 17,000 developed recreation sites in national forests and grasslands can be used for free, including camping and picnicking.

Some 6,000 developed recreation sites to require recreation fees, which the Forest Service says are used to provide visitor services, repairs and replacements and facilities maintenance.

Other fee-free days are June 8, National Get Outdoors Day; Sept. 28, National Public Lands Day; and Nov. 9-11, Veterans Day weekend.

Concessionaires who operate campgrounds and other amenities may choose whether to participate in the fee-free days. Contact your favorite campground for more information.