Sales of Discover Pass for parks soar

OLYMPIA — A new report shows revenue collected from sales of the Discover Pass was nearly $1 million higher than the year before. The Everett Herald says sales in the second full year of the program generated almost $16.7 million, compared to $15.7 million in the first year. The program was created to offset the loss of state funding through budget cuts. A $30 annual pass or $10 daily pass is required in motor vehicles accessing state parks and other state-managed recreation lands. A report prepared for the state Parks and Recreation Commission says the state took in $32.4 million in the two-year budget cycle that ended June 30. The majority went to state parks, with the rest going to the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Fish and Wildlife.