NEW TABS HOW BOUT 5 FOR THE PARKS

[flippinfool]

WHAT IS UP WITH THIS, I GUESS ITS COOL, WHAT DO YOU THINK AND WHERE IS THAT 5 GOING?SOUNDS FISHY:cyclopsan

[Toni]

I thought it was for state parks. But now I am not sure.

[kcc]

If it is to help keep our parks open and running or something to do with our fisheries then I'm willing to pay it and I did last month. A few years go when they were chardging 5.00 to enter a park and the pass was good for a day and you could go to different parks, I was willing to pay it then. But if it is going to be wasted by the powers to be, then i will opt out on my next license renewal next month.

[flippinfool]

If it is to help keep our parks open and running or something to do with our fisheries then I'm willing to pay it and I did last month. A few years go when they were chardging 5.00 to enter a park and the pass was good for a day and you could go to different parks, I was willing to pay it then. But if it is going to be wasted by the powers to be, then i will opt out on my next license renewal next month.

MY question is how is the money being used for the parks. hopefully towards better ramps and tie ups or restrooms for the ladies or maybe make it easier for the handicap sportsmen out there. i would give em 5 for that but not for some park worker to be standing around all day or to give someone a raise that doesnt deserve it. one day the gov says one thing the next something else. i just wanna know where its aimed at thats all!:compress:

[Rich McVey]

Yea, there is an OPT-OUT option on the license tabs. If you DO NOT OPT OUT, you will pay an extra $5 that goes to the Washington State Parks.

I paid it. I was one of those people who bought the yearly pass also.

--------------------------------------------------------

Hello,

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission wishes to thank you for taking the time recently to express your wish that state parks be open and available to the public in good times and in bad. You sent a clear message that you value your state parks.

Now that the final budget has been passed, we want to share the news. The state budget directs that all state parks will remain open in 2009-11, provided that a new donation program tied to vehicle license tab renewal brings in adequate revenue.

The 2009 Legislature passed House Bill 2339 establishing the new revenue source to keep the state from mothballing approximately 40 state parks in the face of budget reductions.

The donation program will start with September vehicle license renewal notices from the Department of Licensing. The notices will include an automatic $5 donation to keep state parks open (unless you choose not to participate.)

What will you get for your donation? More than 100 state parks in beautiful settings all over Washington, open and available for you to enjoy. Take your family and friends camping, picnicking, hiking, bicycling or boating – or simply relax in the peace and quiet of nature.

Your Washington state parks are there for you – and there because of you. Thank you, and enjoy.




The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

[flippinfool]

ok then count me in!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks mcvey you always make everything better!

[Rich McVey]

ok then count me in!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks mcvey you always make everything better!

[flippinfool]

ok then count me in!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks mcvey you always make everything better!

iI DONT CARE WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT YA YOUR AWESOME!I MIGHT HIT SILVER SAT IF I SEE JOHN I SAY HI!:compress:

[Anonymous]

It all falls under the pay to play catagory. I'm suprised they haven't started a day use fee or a parking fee. The Fed has ben doing it for years with our National Parks.

[Rich McVey]

It all falls under the pay to play catagory. I'm suprised they haven't started a day use fee or a parking fee. The Fed has ben doing it for years with our National Parks.

They did a few years ago. People complained and they changed it, now you only need it to launch and trailer dump. I bought the yearly pass for $50. I think it would be a better idea to have the park users pay instead of everyone who licenses a vehicle. http://parks.wa.gov/parking/

[Dustin07]

I'm definitely OK with paying another $5, but these types of things should be approached cautiously because a small $5 fee is a gateway to a larger fee. Most of us can easily afford $5, no big deal, but when Dino Rossi was working Ways & Means he made state parks a major priority because he knew it was one of the least expensive ways for families to be able to get out and do things together. I think it is important for our state to find a way to fund this type of stuff with as few add-on fees as possible. It is better for our families and worth it in the long run, IMO.

Additionally... it's one of the few things that our state can fund that truly benifits all parties regardless of ethnicity, sex, age, etc.

[Rich McVey]

TO: Interested Parties
FROM: Bill Koss, Planning and Research Manager
RE: Authority to Transfer Ownership of Lake Osoyoos State Park-Transfer to City of Oroville

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at the Center Place, 2426 North Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, Washington.

At the meeting the Commission will consider adopting or approving the agenda item. The item does not have a specific time at the meeting. Members of the public are welcome to attend and will have an opportunity to provide comment. Written comments received by 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 28, will be provided to the Commission before the meeting.

If you wish to receive a copy of this agenda item or provide written comments, please contact Nata Hurst at:

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
P.O. Box 42650 Olympia, WA 98504-2650
Phone: (360) 902-8638 FAX: (360) 586-0207
E-mail: nata.hurst@parks.wa.gov

[Rich McVey]

Here is an update on the fee dated 1/27/2010

http://www.parks.wa.gov/newsreleases/

Link to official update doc

1111 Israel Road S.W. P.O. Box 42650 Olympia, WA 98504-2650 (360) 902-8500

NEWS Media contact:
10-006 Virginia Painter: (360) 902-8562
Sandy Mealing: (360) 902-8559
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service:
(800) 833-6388

State Parks reports
status of license tab donation program

OLYMPIA – Jan. 27, 2010 – A state parks donation program tied to vehicle license tab renewals is bringing in less than projected but enough to keep state parks open, provided no General Fund reductions are made beyond those identified in the Governor’s 2010 Supplemental Budget.

That’s the conclusion of a report made by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission to the state Office of Financial Management and legislature.

Bill 2339, signed into law in July 2009, required the Department of Licensing to collect a $5 donation to benefit the state parks system as part of motor vehicle registration applications or renewals, unless a vehicle owner chooses not to provide the donation when paying his or her bill. The legislation was a response to the state’s dire economic situation and a groundswell of public outcry to the Legislature opposing proposed budget reductions that would have resulted in the closure of up to 40 parks. The budget stipulated that state parks would remain open so long as adequate donations are collected. Budget language also directed State Parks to report the status of the program in early 2010.

To meet the Legislature’s donation projection laid out in the 2009-11 budget, State Parks needs to receive a cumulative average of $1.2 million per month over the 24 months of the biennium. The cumulative average collected through the end of December 2009 was $1.1 million.
-more-
State Parks donation program report, page 2

“So far, the donations are coming in under the line of what’s needed, but we’re squeaking by,” said Rex Derr, director. “The Commission is optimistic about the program because we know how much people love their state parks. We’re very grateful to the Legislature for the program.”

The enacted 2009-11 state biennial budget reduced State Parks’ General Fund budget by a total of $52 million (of $100 million General Fund in 2007-09.) To help mitigate the reduction, the budget provides State Parks the authority to spend up to $26 million in projected donations and an additional $2 million in projected revenue increases – but these moneys have to be collected first. The Legislature also shifted $19.4 million from the Resource Recreation Account and the Non-highway Off-road Vehicle Account (NOVA) to help fill the State Parks operations gap.

Derr said the donation program profoundly changes the way state park operations are funded. Historically, the agency has relied mostly on real General Fund tax dollars. Over the years, the General Fund portion of the budget gradually decreased, to be replaced with an increased portion of the budget in the form of spending authority, that is, authority to spend earned revenue from fees if collected.

In 2007-09, General Fund tax dollars made up 66 percent of the State Parks operating budget, with 24 percent in spending authority and about 10 percent in dedicated funds from federal and other programs. Under the new donation program, only 30 percent of the State Parks operating budget is made up of dollars in hand in General Fund, while 47 percent of the budget is authority to spend projected donation collections as well as earned revenue from overnight stays, watercraft launch use and other fees – money that is not yet in hand.

In 2009, the State Parks Commission made required reductions in its budget by freezing travel, hiring and spending; cutting headquarters and region programs and staff; and keeping vacant positions open in parks, headquarters and regions. In addition, the agency also consolidated offices (going from four to three region offices) and moved one remaining region office into the agency headquarters building.
-more-

State Parks donation program report, page 3

The Governor’s Supplemental Budget identified $3.2 million in reductions. State Parks had planned for approximately $2 million in reductions; the remainder involves layoffs and holding positions vacant.

“We are managing our cash flow very carefully, on a month-to-month basis and keeping a close watch on the donation averages,” Derr said. “We also have increased our reserve fund from $3 million to $6 million – something we think is essential for managing a budget that’s now based largely on money not yet in hand. As long as donations continue coming in close to the level projected in the budget and our General Fund is not reduced further than what we’ve identified for the supplemental budget, we believe we will be able to keep state parks open.”

_____________________________________

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 96-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.

[panfisher]

Yea, there is an OPT-OUT option on the license tabs. If you DO NOT OPT OUT, you will pay an extra $5 that goes to the Washington State Parks.

I paid it. I was one of those people who bought the yearly pass also.

i paid it last month:thumleft:

[Coastfishin]

I paid it on all 4 vehicles:cheers: It will be worth it to keep the parks open

[shawn]

We paid it on our 3 cars.:compress:

[hewesfisher]

It all falls under the pay to play catagory. I'm suprised they haven't started a day use fee or a parking fee. The Fed has ben doing it for years with our National Parks.

They did a few years ago. People complained and they changed it, now you only need it to launch and trailer dump. I bought the yearly pass for $50. I think it would be a better idea to have the park users pay instead of everyone who licenses a vehicle. http://parks.wa.gov/parking/

I agree with the pay to play approach and not the the shotgun "add it to your vehicle license fee" approach. This is part of the reason people get POd with government, funds to run a program are tacked on to something totally unrelated to the program. I opted out on 2 registrations already, and will do so on the remaining 3 when they come due. There is too much opportunity for "budget shenanigans" behind the scenes and it wouldn't be the first time this state has "enacted" a donation to support a specific purpose only to have it become needed elsewhere and leave state parks (in this instance) hanging in the breeze for lack of funding. Sorry, to me this is just bad legislation. If I'm using a state park, collect my fee at the gate.

[wolverine]

I paid the $5 on 2 rigs and will do so on the third. I'll support the effort as long as the legislators don't steal the ear marked money and dump it into the black hole bottomless pit of the general fund. Or if they reduce future parks money by the amount generated by the amount raised by the $5/tab option.