Signpost Blog

As parks and trails in King County have been developed for recreation over the past dozen years, area residents have come to rely more and more on these lands for hiking, trail running, mountain biking and equestrian use. Levy funds have contributed significantly to the development of the Grand Ridge, Cougar Mountain and Soaring Eagle trail systems, among others.

Now the King County Council has approved a property tax levy to fund King County Parks through 2019. This measure will be going to King County voters in August.

Levies have been a critical element of the funding mix for King County Parks. The 2013 King County Parks Levy will fund ongoing maintenance on recreation facilities in King County Parks, as well as planning and implementation of potential new trail connections in the South Sound. This is a continuation of a current levy, not new money. If approved, this levy would replace two voter-approved measures that will expire in 2019. Raising 18.7 cents per $1,000 of assessed value -- or about $56 on a property valued at $300,000 -- the levy will raise between $59 million and $70 million annually.

WTA volunteers have worked hard to maintain King County trails over the years, and we've enjoyed a strong relationship with the County. This levy is essential to maintaining and improving the vital trail systems throughout the King County Park system.

YES on the King County Parks Levy

WTA strongly supports this lid lift, and we encourage WTA members to vote YES when you receive your ballot in the mail, likely in mid-July. Everyone who loves King County Parks will be grateful that you did!

The Washington State Legislature is in extra innings, and funding for Washington State Parks is at stake.

The House and Senate wrapped up their regular session without agreeing on a budget. In fact, they adjourned with competing proposals that are $2 billion apart. Lawmakers are back in Olympia, May 20 to come to agree on a final budget.

• The House raises new revenue and funds basic services at higher levels, including $23.7 million for State Parks.
• The Senate raises no new revenue and makes deep cuts, including cutting $5 million from the already-slim 2011-2013 State Parks Operating allocation, bringing them to $16 million.

WTA supports the general funding of 23.7 million for State Parks in the House budget. Furthermore, WTA is excited by an amendment offered by Representative Larry Seaquist that would match each dollar of Discover Pass revenue with a dollar of general fund. That would benefit all three Discover Pass agencies, and would help State Parks dig out of its chronic budget hole.

We are also asking for a $50,000 appropriation to the Recreation and Conservation Office to study the potential implementation of a joint State Lands/National Forest Pass.

Here's how you can help:

Please call the legislative hotline at 1.800.562.6000. When connected with your Washington State Legislators, ask them to:

• Support the House version of State Parks funding at 23.7 million.
• Support the Seaquist Amendment to HB 1935 for sustainable funding for State Parks, DNR and Fish and Wildlife.
• Support WTA's request for $50,000 to RCO to study a joint State Lands/National Forest Pass.

Yesterday in Olympia the Washington State House released its operating budget. A line item that WTA has been awaiting with anticipation was the funding level it would provide for Washington State Parks. The Washington Senate's budget came out last week, and it is not surprising that the amount designated for State Parks differs in the two proposals.

State Parks fares much better in the House version than in the Senate. Here's the breakdown:

• House: State Parks will receive $23.7 million for the 2013-2015 biennium, which is a $2.5 million increase over the current 2011-2013 funding period.
• Senate: Allocates $16.5 million to State Parks for the next biennium, which constitutes a nearly $5 million cut from the current amount.

The House budget is very similar to the one that Governor Inslee released earlier this year and represents a relatively stable funding amount compared to what State Parks currently is receiving. With this level of funding, the system will continue to limp along as State Parks advocates work to build pressure for better budget outcomes in coming sessions to address serious maintenance and facility backlogs and ranger staffing levels.

The Senate budget, however, will continue the sharp decline in park facilities that we've seen over the past several years and could result in the full or partial closure of many state parks. That Washington State Parks might be faced with closing facilities in the midst of its centennial year is disheartening. We should be reinvesting in parks rather than turning our backs on them.

How to help state parks

Please take a moment to call your Senator and Representatives. Let them know that you appreciate the hard budget decisions that must be made this session but make sure that they understand the value and importance of our state public lands to your family, to our state's economy and to Washington's overall quality of life. Share your experience enjoying these special places and urge the legislature to support the House of Representative's request of $23.7 million in general funding for State Parks.

Here are some tips for calling elected officials:

• Call the legislative hotline: 1.800.562.6000 and ask for your senator's office.
• Identify yourself (tell them if you are a constituent) and why you are calling: "I believe that Washington needs a budget that invests in our state parks. Please support $27 million in General Fund appropriations for Parks."
• Keep your call short and courteous.
• Remember to thank the staff member for his or her time.

Thank you for speaking out for trails!

Washington State Parks turn 100 this year, and they're showing their age. But you can help them.

> Please call your state senator and ask them to reinvest in our state parks.

Starting to see the impact of cuts

The legislature has cut general funding for State Parks by 79 million dollars since 2007. These devastating cuts have resulted in seasonal closures, reduced services and deferred maintenance. If we don't reverse this trend, we could see some of the crown jewels of our park system closed due to concerns for public safety and the environment.

This week, The Seattle Times released an informative article highlighting some of the problems facing our park system:

"Since 2000, the state has shed 12 of its parks, reduced hours at others, and shifted 66 of its 189 full-time rangers to seasonal jobs. Starting in 2009, the state parks have reduced staffing from 595 full-time permanent employees to 395."

"The situation has gotten so bad that Gov. Jay Inslee and key state lawmakers say they are considering restoring some state tax dollars to fund the parks."

Hikers and campers have likely already seen some of the effects in their favorite parks. The article details a few examples:

"At Lake Wenatchee State Park, storm damage downed so many trees that more than half of the campsites are unusable, with the recreation season fast approaching. Cleanup is slower, with fewer year-round staff to tackle the mess."

"Meanwhile, all over the state, portions of trails, scenic overlooks and campgrounds are cordoned off because there is no money to repair or maintain them."

The legislature is currently developing their 2013-2015 budget, so this is the time to speak up for parks.

How to help state parks

Call your state senator and tell him or her that we need to reinvest in our state parks. Share your experience enjoying these special places and urge the legislature to support $27 million in general funding for State Parks.

Here are some tips for calling elected officials:

• Call the legislative hotline: 1.800.562.6000 and ask for your senator's office.
• Identify yourself (tell them if you are a constituent) and why you are calling: "I believe that Washington needs a budget that invests in our state parks. Please support $27 million in General Fund appropriations for Parks."
• Keep your call short and courteous.
• Remember to thank the staff member for his or her time.

Thank you for speaking out for trails!

Last week, when our elected officials in Washington, D.C. decided not to act on a "sequestration" deadline, they set in motion a set of fiscal cutbacks that could dramatically impact hiking and other recreation on federal lands. Seasonal hiring for the backcountry, trail work, reduced hours and even closures are at stake in this latest showdown.

Three scenarios: shut down, sequestration or status quo

The latest deadline is now March 27. On that day, one of three things will happen:

• Congress does nothing, and the federal government shuts down. As in 1995, when a showdown between the Clinton administration and Congress resulted in a government shutdown, that would mean that many essential services of government would be shuttered, including National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, National Forest ranger stations and more.

• Congress passes a continuing resolution that includes sequestration cuts. These are automatic across-the-board spending cuts of up to five percent. They would likely mean that land management agencies would not be able to hire essential summer-season staff (wilderness rangers, backcountry trail crews, visitor center employees, etc.) and may have to reduce hours or in some cases close visitor services, campgrounds or other facilities.

• Congress passes a continuing resolution at current levels, which means status quo funding. By kicking the can down the proverbial curb, drastic cuts would be averted for now, but the underlying issue would simply be put off once again.

Ask Congress to preserve your public lands

If you don't want to see the devastating impacts of a government shutdown or sequestration cuts, please contact your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative with an email, phone call (see tips) or letter. Let them know how important public lands and recreation are to Washington's hikers. Ask them to preserve critical funding for our National Forests, National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges.

Contact our Senators

>> Sen. Patty Murray
>> Sen. Maria Cantwell

Look up and contact your Representatives

Not sure who represents you? Look it up here.

>> Rep. Suzan DelBene [1st]
>> Rep. Rick Larsen [2nd]
>> Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler [3rd]
>> Rep. Doc Hastings [4th]
>> Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers [5th]
>> Rep. Derek Kilmer [6th]
>> Rep. Jim McDermott [7th]
>> Rep. David Reichert [8th]
>> Rep. Adam Smith [9th]
>> Rep. Denny Heck [10th]

Thank you!

Last Friday was a big day in Olympia. The first big legislative deadline passed, on which date bills had to make it out of their committee of origin or be consigned to reintroduction next legislative session.

A number of bills touching on the Discover Pass were introduced this session. Some of them are still kicking, some could come back in another form and others will not reemerge until session is over. The legislature will now start talking seriously about the biennial budget. This is where the real action starts, and we're already seeing some movement to fund State Parks at $27 million - in line with the request WTA made at Lobby Day on February 7. Everyone who attended Lobby Day should give themselves a vigorous pat on the back!

Here's the rundown with a little editorializing on each bill that effects hikers.

Living, breathing bills

• SB 5084: Creates a $5 lifetime disability Discover Pass and has been referred to Ways and Means. While WTA is sensitive to the importance of access to state lands for disabled people, the legislature must reckon with the cost of providing reduced-price passes.
• SB 5289: Ends the requirement that requires people driving on Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or Fish and Wildlife roads to display a Discover Pass. People parking at recreation facilities must still have a pass. It also allows agencies to sell Discover Passes in bulk at less than $30 per pass to retailers and partners. There is no mechanism to account for revenue lost from discounting, and WTA is concerned that this approach could result in lost potential revenue. SB 5289 is eligible for a Senate floor vote.
• SB 5097: Allows married couples to combine their volunteer hours for the purpose of earning a complimentary Discover Pass. The legislation has passed the Senate and been referred to the House Community Development, Housing and Tribal Affairs Committee.
• SB 5391: Allows off-road vehicles (ORVs) bearing an ORV decal and operating in an ORV area to not carry a Discover Pass. The vehicle in which the ORV operator towed his or her ORV is still subject to the Discover Pass requirement. This legislation has been referred to Senate Ways and Means. While we have some concerns about the revenue impacts of this proposal, we understand that the requirement to carry two passes could be irksome to ORV operators.
• HB 1935: Matches each Discover Pass sold with an equal amount of general fund money. WTA enthusiastically supports this proposal, which also reimburses State Parks for the free or reduced-cost passes that the legislature has required them to provide. Finally, it allows State Parks license plate holders to access State Parks without a Discover Pass. HB 1935 has been referred to the Appropriations Committee in the House.
• SB 5513: This is a very complex piece of legislation that creates a legislative definition of a four-wheeled ATV, requires ATVs to have metal plates issued with ORV registration, and allows ORVs to be used on roads posted under 35 MPH in municipalities under 15,000 residents, unless prohibited by local ordinance. While the metal plate benefits law enforcement, the fact that local roads are open unless posted closed to ATVs should be reversed; towns should be able to choose on a case-by-case basis which roads they open up. This legislation has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee, but has not been heard. It has until tomorrow (Friday, March 1) to move out of Committee.
• SB 5653: This legislation expands the role of the State Parks Foundation and allows Washington State Parks to enter into public-private partnerships and, like HB 1935, dedicates $27 million to State Parks over the next biennium. However, this legislation includes the same bulk Discover Pass sales provision that we are concerned about in SB 5289. We clearly support the general fund appropriation element of this bill, but have concerns about the bulk sale provision. SB 5653 has been referred to Senate ways and Means.

Bills that are over, at least for now

• SB 5319: This bill would have provided a free Discover Pass to anyone with a lifetime veteran's disability pass issued by the state, and would have waived Discover Pass citations for anyone who could prove that they hold such a pass. While it received a hearing, it did not make it out of Senate Natural Resources and Parks Committee.
• SB 5266: SB 5266 would have made purchasing the Discover Pass opt-out at the time of vehicle tab renewal, increasing the number of passes sold significantly. This legislation did not receive a hearing in its committee of origin.
• HB 1755: This is the companion bill to SB 5391. While SB 5391 received a hearing in time, HB 1755 did not.
• HB 1632: HB 1632 is the House companion bill to SB 5513. The latter legislation may still receive a vote in time, since it was introduced in Senate Transportation. The former did not.

The jury is still out

Last week, WTA Executive Director Karen Daubert and board members Amy Csink and Jeff Chapman and I traveled to Washington, DC. Over three days, we met with both of our U.S. Senators, seven members of Washington's Congressional delegation, and key staff from the three remaining Congressional districts. We had an excellent reception at all the offices we visited and raised issues critical to the Washington's hikers. And while news is mixed out of DC, many members are hopeful that we can avoid the massive across-the-board cuts that all agencies will feel if Congress and the Administration do not cut a fiscal deal by March 1 that avoids sequestration.

Washington Trails Association's lead issues were fiscal in nature:

• Forest Service Appropriations: The last fiscal year saw a decline in a critical element of the Forest Service budget -- the Capital Maintenance of Trails (CMTL) program -- which is key to the continued development of new trails, maintenance of existing facilities and completion of backlog maintenance. We asked our delegation to support $560 million for that program, a slight increase over FY 2011 appropriations. Members supported that allocation, and we saw some movement in the direction of fighting for that amount.
• Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) Reauthorization: The legislation that authorizes the Forest Service to charge user fees such as the Northwest Forest Pass expires in December 2014. While fees are not the solution to Forest Service budget woes, they are an important element of paying for recreation on our public lands. We urged our delegation to support reauthorization and to work together to introduce more flexibility into the program, supporting measures that will ensure that the Forest Service can spend more money on actual trail maintenance. There is broad agreement within the Forest Service and the recreation community on the sorts of changes that need to be made to FLREA.

Last Wednesday, the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) released a state-by-state breakdown of the economic benefits of outdoor recreation. The new data add more detail to a report on the national economic impact of outdoor recreation that the association released last year. The short story is that the outdoor industry in Washington State is responsible for $22.5 billion in direct sales, $7.1 billion in wages and salaries, $1.6 billion in tax revenues and 226,000 jobs. All of that economic activity is dependent upon a healthy, well-managed system of trails and other recreation facilities on public lands.

The picture this report paints is startling, but not unexpected. Some of the most successful outdoor retailers in the country are based here:  REI, Outdoor Research, Marmot and the family of brands owned by Cascade Designs are all based in the Seattle area. And with three National Parks, a vast swathe of National Forest land, 120 State Parks and lovely Department of Natural Resources recreation areas, Washington attracts and keeps hikers like a magnet.

All of this recreation activity leads to jobs with both land management agencies and outdoor retailers, and tax revenues for gateway communities across the state. In a year when sequestration at the federal level and budget cuts at the state and local level might imperil recreation opportunities, it would behoove elected officials to take a long look at the benefits that all those hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, family campers and birdwatchers provide to the state and consider the consequences of slashing budgets for land management agencies.

The country's latest fiscal stand-off, known widely as "sequestration," is set to commence on March 1. Should Congress and President Obama fail to come to a fiscal agreement, one of the primary consequences would be five percent across-the-board budget cuts. Leaked documents from the National Park Service demonstrate the broad and adverse impacts that these cuts would cause, including more than $1.6 million in cuts from Washington's three national parks. Only two options avoid sequestration -- agreement around a solution to the problem or passage of a continuing resolution that maintains funding levels at current (or perhaps slightly lower) rates.

In a memo dated January 25, 2013, NPS Director Jonathan Jarvis directed each park unit to make a sequestration plan that reduces its budget by five percent by February 11. New details from the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees emerged today about what that would mean at some of the largest national parks, including Mount Rainier National Park.

In the meantime, the Park Service has instituted a hiring freeze. This comes at a time when hiring decisions are usually being made for seasonal staff who handle the massive influx of summer crowds. At some parks, it is possible that no seasonal staff would be hired should these cuts become mandatory.

What would a five percent mean for Washington’s three national parks?

• Mount Rainier National Park, would need to carve $604,000 from a $12.1 million budget. At minimum, this could include the closure of the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center this year.
• Olympic National Park would have to cut $639,000 from a $12.8 million budget.
• North Cascades National Park would face a $365,000 reduction from a 7.3 million budget.

Each of these parks rely heavily on seasonal personnel during the busy summer months. Eliminating these positions would have a serious effect on hours of operation, wilderness rangers, preservation, maintenance and much, much more. These cuts could also have a chilling effect on local economies.

The National Park Service also operates six other sites in Washington that would face five percent cuts: San Juan National Historic Preserve, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve, Fort Vancouver and the Whitman Mission National Historic Sites and the Klondike Gold Rush Museum.

And, of course, these are examples from just one agency. Sequestration would impact the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies in similar ways, and we can assume that they are having similar discussions that have not been made public. Let’s hope that our elected officials come to their senses and come to a budget agreement before March 1.

Today, WTA is releasing its first ever State Of Access Report. Hikers have had roads on their radar since 2003, when major storms wiped out access to the Glacier Peak Wilderness and many other beloved places. But our public lands road system has been facing a slow-motion crisis since the decline of the timber industry. National Forests paid to build a huge system of roads, many of which are still used to access trailheads, with timber receipts. Those roads were frequently not built to the most sustainable standard, and have begun to crumble in the intervening years.

That's where the State Of Access Report enters the picture. WTA has created a framework for analyzing forest roads based on the importance of roads to hikers, the cost of repairing or rerouting and the environmental consequences of both repairing the road and its use by vehicles. We used those criteria to analyze eight roads:

1. Suiattle River Road: Critical access to the heart of the Glacier Peak Wilderness that has been thoroughly studied and is ready for repair.
2. Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Road: A successful collaboration of land management agencies and the public to rehabilitate an important recreation area. A paving project should be completed by 2015.
3. Carbon River Road: A dynamic landscape rendered road realignment unfeasible, making this road an ideal conversion to a hiker/biker trail to a wilderness campground.
4. Dosewallips River Road: An important access road that should be reopened as new repair standards can offer access to the west side of the Olympics.
5. Stehekin Road: A little-used mountain road that should not be repaired. Relocation would require realignment of the wilderness boundary, as well as the Pacific Crest Trail.
6. Illabot River Road: A well-built road threatened by a lack of funding for maintenance that nevertheless should remain open.
7. Mountain Loop Highway: A critical recreation access road requiring major repairs on a regular basis necessitates continued investment.
8. Mitchell Peak Road: DNR should seek to take all reasonable steps to secure an easement for recreational travel.

Each of these roads exemplifies an issue or course of action that drives decision-making around recreation routes. For instance, Illabot illustrates the decisions that land managers are forced to make when they have too little money to manage their road systems. The Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Road is an example of a successful collaborative approach between agencies and the public that has resulted in a more sustainable road and a safer backcountry experience.

A surprising road was the Dosewallips. When the criteria was applied to this route, we realized that agency planning processes since the 2008 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) had solved many of the problems that WTA had anticipated for the rerouted section of road. WTA decided that, in light of new information, to change its view on this road, and now believe that it should be reopened. At the time, we made the best determination we could with the information available to us. But we felt it was important to revisit the project and change our minds as new information became available.

Please take a moment to download a pdf of the State Of Access Report. It will give you a window into the often-difficult decision making process that we enter when we consider roads that are failing or washed out. It's our conviction that this document can help hikers make their own decisions and give them the tools to influence land managers and elected officials.