DNR Funding
Mount Si. Tiger Mountain. Gothic Basin. Many hikers may not realize that some
- Mt. Si by Andrew Larsen
of their favorite places are managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Unfortunately, the Department of Natural Resources has been plagued by budget cuts for past several years. These cuts are now to the point that the agency struggles to keep several popular areas open including Rattlesnake Mountain, Mount Si, Little Si and Lake Spokane Recreation Area. WTA believes that hikers are willing to do their part but any fee structure must be done in a reasonable manner.
For the past several years WTA's top priority during the legislative session has been keeping DNR's recreation budget strong enough to support basic services at its most popular sites. It has become clear that this will need to be a top priority again this year.
Unfortunately WTA has serious concerns about a proposal put forth by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) called the Explore Washington Pass would implement a new user fee system on DNR and WDFW lands. The fee system would require each visitor to carry a $10/person/day permit, or a $40 annual pass.
State recreation lands need a new sustainable source of funding, but the Explore Washington Pass fee proposal is not a reasonable solution.
There is an alternative. WTA is working with other recreation groups on a more reasonable proposal that will bring in sustainable revenue to keep these state recreation lands open, but not be an onerous burden for hikers. WTA's proposal will mirror the Northwest Forest Pass using a per-car structure.
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