Latest from The Spokesman-Review

• Signs of state parks’ neglect reflect years of cuts

  March 25, 2013 in City, Outdoors on Page A6 SEATTLE – As Washington state’s park system enters its 100th year, budget cuts have begun to take a heavy toll. Many of Washington’s 117 parks, 700 historic buildings and 33 … 2

• Out & About: Obama gun frenzy pays conservation dividend

  February 17, 2013 in Outdoors on Page C12 Obama gun flap boosts habitat OUTTAX – State fish and wildlife agencies across the country are direct beneficiaries of the unprecedented spike in firearms sales spurred by President Obama’s 2008 …

• Out & About: Permits in transition at Mount Spokane

  November 18, 2012 in Outdoors on Page C12 OUTPAY – A Discover Pass is still needed for parking a vehicle in most areas of Mount Spokane State Park, but the requirement soon will transition to a Sno-Park permit. …

• State Parks plead for funds; Discover Pass sales leave shortfall

  November 11, 2012 in Outdoors on Page C13 As revenues continue short of projections, state parks leaders are telling Washington lawmakers they can’t do it alone. The Washington State Parks department plans to seek $27 million from the …

• Partners give boost to Riverside State Park

  June 17, 2012 in Outdoors on Page C10 Despite losing 40 percent of its full-time staff in the past two years because of state budget cuts, Riverside State Park has found a way to move forward and even … 3

• In brief: Vehicle passes required at fishing access sites

  April 12, 2012 in Sports on Page K11 Vehicles parking at Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing access sites must display a Vehicle Access Pass or a Discover Pass. Both passes are transferable to two vehicles starting …

• Mount Spokane gets $300,000 for new nordic ski trail groomer

  February 19, 2012 in Outdoors on Page C12 Washington’s Winter Recreation Advisory Committee has approved $300,000 to purchase a larger snowcat groomer to maintain the 30 kilometers of nordic trails at Mount Spokane State Park. George Momany, the …

• More portable Discover Pass aim of bills

  January 27, 2012 in City on Page A6 OLYMPIA – Washington residents quickly discovered something they didn’t like about the Discover Pass when it was introduced last year to raise money for parks and other state lands: It …

• State parks’ pass is on ice for weekend, so you’re free to frolic

  January 15, 2012 in City on Page B1 Washington State Parks began charging for access last year after millions of dollars in budget cuts, but access is free this weekend. “I think it’s perfect,” said Amanda Haan, who …

• Cash-strapped state parks banking on Discover Pass, new approach

  December 4, 2011 in Outdoors on Page C14 The Washington State Parks system, the fourth oldest in the nation, is at a brink of uncertainty in the state’s lingering budget crisis. After 98 years, officials are looking at … 23

• Out & About: Parking pass requirements confusing at Mount Spokane

  December 4, 2011 in Outdoors on Page C14 OUTPAY – Washington’s new Discover Pass is not a substitute for Sno-Park Permits at Mount Spokane parking areas for snowshoeing, snowmobiling and nordic skiing – a rule that caused considerable … 2

• Park pass not raising expected revenue

  November 14, 2011 in City, Outdoors on Page A8 TACOMA – Sales of a new Washington state park parking pass – the Discover Pass – is not raising the cash officials expected. Lawmakers have mostly cut off parks from … 4

• Discover Pass now required

  September 15, 2011 in Outdoors on Page K5 Washington’s new Discover Pass, required on vehicles accessing most state lands, might impact some sportsmen even though they get a parking permit when they buy their hunting and fishing licenses. …

• Field reports: Group buys land for grizzly migration

  August 28, 2011 in Outdoors on Page C9 WILDLIFE – A conservation group bought 71 acres in the Yaak Mountains in northwestern Montana near Troy with the goal of improving migration corridors for grizzly bears and other wildlife …

• Little Spokane River a top attraction

  July 17, 2011 on Page C10 The Little Spokane River Natural Area, managed in north Spokane by Riverside State Park, is one of the region’s top outdoor recreation attractions. Its trails lure scores of dayhikers.

• Wash.’s new Discover Pass slow to be discovered by masses

  July 17, 2011 on Page C10 Despite statewide media reports for the past several months, people are still showing up at Washington state parks with no clue that a Discover Pass has been required for vehicles … 1

• State employee paychecks shrink a little

  July 1, 2011 in City on Page A7 Happy new fiscal year, Washingtonians. Forget about making resolutions, but remember to get a new tab for your boat, or a Discover Pass if you plan to be spending time …

• Washington will require vehicle pass for state parks, other lands

  June 26, 2011 in Outdoors on Page C12 Washington State Parks rangers and managers of other state lands are gearing up for the debut of the Discover Pass, which will be required for motor vehicle access to most … 3

• Recreationists may need more than one vehicle pass

  June 26, 2011 in Outdoors on Page C12 People who recreate outdoors in the Pacific Northwest must tune in more carefully to requirements for vehicle passes – not only on state lands, but also on private and federal … 1

• Discover Pass: Answers to frequently asked questions

  June 26, 2011 in Outdoors on Page C12 Where is Discover Pass valid? Starting in July, Washington’s Discover Pass offers access to nearly 7 million acres of state recreation lands, including about 100 developed state parks.

• Fees approved for state’s parks, recreation areas

  May 13, 2011 in City on Page A1 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 … 35

• Discover Pass will be ticket to state land access

  May 1, 2011 in Outdoors on Page C10 The Discover Pass – expected to raise up to $64 million in two years for state parks and other lands – is a done deal in the Washington Legislature and …