Washington, Oregon snow park permit partnership ending

PORTLAND – Oregon and Washington state are ending a 35-year agreement to honor each other’s permits for winter recreation areas.

Washington said its more expansive snow park program, which costs more, no longer matches Oregon’s.

Washington charges $40 for an annual permit, $20 for a daily. Oregon charges $25 a year, $4 a day, The Oregonian reported Friday.

Permits are required to park at cross-country ski, snowshoeing and sledding areas. Oregon also requires them at some downhill ski areas.

Washington uses the money to pay for its entire Sno-Park program, including snow removal, trail grooming, sanitation, education programs and enforcement.

Oregon’s program, which is run by the state Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Department, is much smaller, said Pamela McConkey, manager of Washington’s winter recreation program.

The Oregon Department of Transportation website says Oregon permits will still be honored in Idaho and California.