Spokane7
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May 13, 2011 in City
Fees approved for state’s parks, recreation areas
OLYMPIA – Planning on driving to a state park or recreation area for some fun in the great outdoors after July 1? It’ll cost you.
The same for visiting a state heritage site or wildlife area, using a state boat launch or trail.
Under a law signed Thursday by Gov. Chris Gregoire, lands controlled by the State Parks and Recreation Commission, Department of Natural Resources or Department of Fish and Wildlife will charge a $10-per-day vehicle fee for visitors who drive in. Regular users can buy an annual “Discover Pass” for all areas for $30.
The Legislature approved the new fees to help offset some $72 million in cuts those three state agencies are expected to absorb in the 2011-2013 general operating budget.
Money collected from the fees will go only to those agencies, and will be divided based on the relative size of cuts each is taking. State parks will get 84 percent of the amount collected, while Natural Resources and Fish and Wildlife will each get 8 percent.
“It preserves the parks and all these other recreation areas that otherwise in these tough times we might lose,” Gregoire said as dozens of people, including Public Lands Commissioner Peter Goldmark, applauded. “This is the biggest turnout for a fee bill I’ve ever had.”
Starting July 1, the agencies will enforce the fees on state recreation lands. It will apply to people who drive onto state lands to gather mushrooms, berries or firewood, bird-watch, geocache, or just about any outdoor activity. The fee applies to out-of-state visitors as well as Washington residents.
There are some exceptions. It won’t be needed when camping at a state park if you have a receipt for your campsite on your dashboard. A free vehicle access pass will be issued for Fish and Wildlife lands with certain hunting and fishing licenses, but a daily or Discover Pass will still be needed for vehicle access for hunters and fishers parking on state park or DNR lands.
Off-road vehicles such as dirt bikes and quads with an ORV tab won’t need an access pass, and neither will trailers. But the vehicle hauling the trailer will.
It will be possible to park on state managed lands for up to a half an hour without a pass. After that, however, a vehicle can be cited and the penalty for not having a pass is $99.
By mid-June, access passes will be for sale at most sporting goods outlets and other stores that sell hunting and fishing licenses. They’ll be available for purchase when renewing a vehicle license, and through the Fish and Wildlife’s website at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov or the agency’s toll free number (866) 320-9933.
Supermajority for taxes unconstitutional, judge rules 
toliveanddieinla on May 13 at 5:33 a.m.
hello if i wanna ride my mountain bike on cenntenial trail by riverside park i have to pay 10 dollars i dont fricking think so what are you going to have enough manpower to enforce this dumb law we need to get rid of these morons and have someone with common sense to run this state and whole united states ss im pissed off but you need to start taxing rich oil companies to pay for things like this not someone thats poor p.s. enjoy your stay as gov.gregoire your gone next time we vote if us voters have a brain, get rid of her allready geeeeeeeeeezzzlouise have a nice day
Orange on May 13 at 6:10 a.m.
So much for recreation
DHF on May 13 at 6:10 a.m.
Without a doubt one of the most stupid Governors that we have ever had. But what else can you expect from a tax and spend liberal. I take great solace that I voted for Rossi.
Oly on May 13 at 6:41 a.m.
so, who will enforce this? and how do I get one of these jobs?
hawken on May 13 at 7:16 a.m.
What on earth does the bike trail have to do with oil companies, who already pay over 40% of their profits in taxes?
Keep taxing oil companies and we’ll see gas at $6 and more a gallon in the not too distant future. The more taxes we stack on of oil companies, the more costs they will pass on to consumers at the pumps.
For those who want to seize more tax dollars from business, GE paid about 7% in Taxes. Apple paid about 24% in taxes. Start with these two companies if your hell bent to raise more taxes.
I’m among the 64% that say America is overtaxed.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/business/taxes/april_2011/64_say_americans_are_overtaxed_political_class_disagrees
Users of public recreational facilities are the proper people to pay the fees.
When you start paying for my hunting license and deer tags, I’ll start paying for your bike trail fees.
Ed Byrnes on May 13 at 7:35 a.m.
I am fine with paying for what I use. I will purchase the annual pass because it’s a good deal relative to the daily fee. I purchase a snopark pass every winter and it works out to be about $2-3 per visit by the time winter is over.
The reason I don’t mind paying a user fee is that our governments need to raise revenue and raising revenue is one part of a balanced forumula, the other side being reduced expenditures, to reducing debt and avoiding deficit.
I hope that those in Washington, D.C. understand the need for simultaneous revenue and cuts as those of us in Washington State do.
I am awaiting being called all sorts of things and having inaccurate evidence presented, so go ahead I don’t care and won’t respond, I have thought this out and said my piece.
hamrsrscarry on May 13 at 7:54 a.m.
why shouldn’t we collect user fees from all those chumps in Coeur D’Alene that drive to Wa on weekends to ride on our bike trails, and hike in our woods, and swim and boat in our lakes?
Ninch on May 13 at 8:32 a.m.
Calm down….toliveanddieinla. Get the facts first.
FACT: The Centennial Trail is NOT a state park/recreation area although the Trail is administered by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and is maintained by a COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT among the commission and the CITY and COUNTY parks department. Funding is provided by the “Friends of the Centennial Trail,” a non-profit Washington corporation, dedicated to the ongoing support of the public sector for the development, operation, maintenance, and enhancement of the Spokane River Centennial Trail.
FACT: In 2008, there were more than 2 million uses on the Centennial Trail….That would be a real money maker alright, but not realistic, especially since one can hop on and off anywhere…Parking lots could require a fee but public parking is either city or county except for RIverside State Park of which only the latter would require a fee.
leekinny on May 13 at 8:33 a.m.
I don’t like it, but, so what. We all gotta chip in. It’s a better idea than letting the parks deteriorate.
Wow, I agree with the Hawken on this, except for the part about oil companies and others paying taxes, they don’t.
Gas prices shouldn’t be as high as they are. I feel like I’m being threatened by the oil companies. No American should put up with that.
ogdensk on May 13 at 8:39 a.m.
Worst idea ever to deprive people the use of state parks. How long before the city decides to use user fees at city parks to balance the city budget?
Ninch on May 13 at 8:43 a.m.
What is stupid? Closing state parks and recreation areas to the public or supporting keeping them open with fees?
And why when talking about STATE budgets and revenues, the ignorant keep blaming big corporations and so-called lack of FEDERAL revenues. Apples and Oranges. Get it?
Hawken is absolutely correct regarding taxing BIG OIL companies. BTW: Few payed attention that SENATOR Obama voted for oil company tax credits (e.g. accelerated depreciation) that he now demonizes. (Ironically, both Hillary and McCain voted against.) Obama also wants to keep the corn ethanol (BIG AG) subsidies in place which make even bigger profits and pay less taxes… something about Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, etc. votes for 2012.
Ninch on May 13 at 8:46 a.m.
Hey…ogdensk. The City already has user fees at its parks for swimming pools. Generally, the parks themselves are off limits because of the City charter requirements.
valleyman on May 13 at 8:50 a.m.
I’ll tell you what is stupid: Double taxation is stupid!
We already pay taxes which are ‘supposed’ to go to parks. The problem is with the current Democratic controlled legislature and governor’s mansion they keep robbing from Peter the tax fund to pay Paul the union worker…
This amounts to nothing more than a double tax against Washington residents. As usual, if you support this and support higher taxes, I strongly encourage you to cut a check and mail it to Olympia for whatever amount you feel under-taxed. With gas prices up, wages not keeping up with the cost of living, and a new tax scheme boondoggle every day, many won’t be able to keep food on their tables and gas in their cars to get to work let alone worry about paying to use a park they already paid for once…
Profligate spenders in Olympia from both parties are our problem, not a lack of revenue from Parks…
beakaye on May 13 at 8:52 a.m.
This same idea failed about 5 years ago…..but back then they only charged us $5!! This is ridiculous…..it prices poor people out of the state parks. I also pay $80.00/year for my snow park/grooming permit, which I can only use about 4 1/2 months at best. On top of that, the snow groomer is broke about 1/4 of the winter! I just donated $5 to parks with my recent car tab renewal!!! Will this be deducted from $30 fee? I refuse to pay this fee……people who use Riverside or Mt. Spokane Parks just need to park on the perimeter and ride or hike into the parks!!
maria on May 13 at 8:55 a.m.
I have no problem with the fee. The park I love the most gets lots of visitors from the highway who only want to use the rest rooms. Bout time they pitched in for cleaning and supplies.
Justsayin' on May 13 at 8:59 a.m.
Ebyrnes, you already pay for what you use. OUR tax money goes to support OUR parks. It is likely this will create a situation where many folks who can not afford it will not be able to go to our parks. When the hikers who can’t afford to the parking fees stop going for hikes, the families who used to take their children on camping and picnic outings can no longer do this, if they can’t come up w/the ten dollars (later to be raised to what-ever) they can just sit around and get fat, the kids can go play in the streets, and later many will wind up on drugs and in all kinds of trouble. How is this a good idea?
Our Governor will never stop spending and taxing. Oh, and don’t tell me the extorted money will only go for parks. We know by now how that works. The money goes where she wants it to go and she has a history of playing us on that score.
Gary Garrison
nslopeofw on May 13 at 9:00 a.m.
Where are all the “use it, pay for it” people? It seems to be the consensus for roads. Its recreation, and to play, you gotta pay!!
eagleproducer on May 13 at 9:08 a.m.
If Washington only got back in funds what it pays in taxes to the federal government there would be a budget surplus in our state.
http://gumption.posterous.com/disproportionate-ratios-between-red-and-blue
But no. We get to support the Jethro’s and Elli Mae’s of “red state ‘Merica” while they elect corporate shills seeking to deteriorate our way of life. What a great country, I get to subsidize the morons ruining our country.
detroitdude on May 13 at 9:53 a.m.
“With gas prices up, wages not keeping up with the cost of living, and a new tax scheme boondoggle every day,”
I love boondoggles, taste good with mustard and relish.
leekinny on May 13 at 10:09 a.m.
Two thirds of corporations paid no income tax. They’re expected to be good citizens, too. They should pitch in just like everyone else. What they don’t contribute has to be made up by all the rest of us. And that’s not fair. If they want tax breaks they should earn them by investing in business in this country. That will help keep the parks open.
from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2010/04/01/ge-exxon-walmart-business-washington-corporate-taxes.html
from the New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/13/business/13tax.html
from Think Progress
http://thinkprogress.org/2010/04/06/exxon-tax/
MrNatural on May 13 at 10:19 a.m.
Well…this is a twinger but I agree with you edbyrnes.
I feel if we cut taxes then we will need user fees to backfill operation and maintenance costs. $30 bucks a year for preservation and access to these wonderful places is not a bad deal. We can’t have it both ways people…if we all contribute the needed amount of revenue this wouldn’t be an issue but because there are vocal factions who want the pencil sharpened down to the eraser…well what you’re left with is erased.
This is another great victory for those who cry “I don’t use this so why should I pay for it”
mtharves on May 13 at 10:33 a.m.
I’m with ebyrnes on this issue. I pay fees to us the National Parks and willing do so. I will gladly pay the fees to use the state ones as well. When you make the kind of cuts our state has over the last couple of years, then you get less of our taxes to pay for things like park upkeep. I like the quality of life they provide and so will open my wallet even to support places I will never go.
soccermomsusie on May 13 at 12:02 p.m.
I urped a little when I saw that Hawken was agreeing with Queen Christine. These are the end times as prophesied by the Book of Revelation, The Mayans and the History Channel.
I only go to National Parks because they are the only parks that have extended a warm welcome to my Glock (just don’t shoot squirrels with it, believe me).
Paying for State Parks, Firing teachers, Losing firemen and policemen, etc are all small prices to pay to not have a penny a can tax slapped on my sodey pop.
Just think how much better it would have been if DINO! had won the election. One thing we Republicans would have pushed for is the removal of having to have a balanced state budget. Then DINO! could have cut taxes for our betters and spent, spent, spent. That’s what we Conservatives do. Why?
Because it doesn’t matter because these are the End Times! I will be Tea Partying until the Rapture!!!
HEAR OUR VOICE!!!!
Ed Byrnes on May 13 at 12:46 p.m.
Susie, I am most grateful for the levity :)
ManleyPointer on May 13 at 3:03 p.m.
I like user fees. I think user fees should be more widely implemented. The problem is that these fees are usually on top of other taxes/fees that we are already paying, when I think they should be REPLACING these other “revenue sources.”
ndyerkad2 on May 13 at 3:07 p.m.
@hamrsrscarry - plenty of WA “chumps” also drive to Idaho to enjoy the outdoors there. Why the name calling? I enjoy areas in both places and wouldn’t mind pitching in a little to help keep the areas going.
Dazzeetrader11 on May 13 at 3:29 p.m.
mnc..quit with the name calling. It does nothing to further the discussion.
Ed Byrnes on May 13 at 4:41 p.m.
Dazzee this is one I agree with you on.
In fact if we all got out of the habit of throwing convenient labels at each other that would improve things further, and I acknowledge that both sides of most of these debates throw the labels around :(
mtharves on May 13 at 5:17 p.m.
Right on ebyrnes, let’s all quit the name calling. thanks for the heads up about Susie and her humor. One sometimes cannot tell on these threads.
gmorton on May 13 at 5:50 p.m.
toliveanddieinla wrote,
” … you need to start taxing rich oil companies to pay for things like this not someone thats poor . . .”
Ah, yes. Let’s make those “rich oil companies” pay so that “poor” liveanddie may ride his bike where he wishes.
The free lunch mentality in full flower.
DickAdams on May 13 at 6:52 p.m.
I agree, totally, in users fees. Let those who use pay for their fun. I do wonder though, when the old hag is going to put the squeeze on all the junkets taken “her” state employees?? More especially her husband, Mike. I watched this jerk offering testimony before the Spokane city council awhile back and had to regurgitate.
lewis8457 on May 13 at 9:37 p.m.
well the wonderful voters re-elected Gregiore. Who says it wont happen again? This state is full of stupid people.
Arizonian on May 13 at 10:47 p.m.
It’s about time! Go to almost any other state in the country and you will find out that they also charge to enter state parks. How can they exist without user fees? I’m surprised the State of WA hasn’t boarded up and closed all the parks. They take a fair amount of revenue to operate and they certainly aren’t getting it from taxes. If you play, you need to pay. There’s no such thing as a free lunch! $10 is nothing. It costs that much just to see a movie in todays world. Please. Even conservative Utah charges for state parks.
ogdensk on May 14 at 5:17 p.m.
I doubt that these user fees are going to support the parks or for permits for those that can’t afford them. All parks big and small should be open to everyone.
Ed Byrnes on May 15 at 6:10 p.m.
I spent a lot of time in Utah’s state parks and they are well maintained and staffed. User fees do work.