DNR Recreation Funding Legislation |
1. Please Read Before Starting Survey
In light of challenges with the state budget Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are working together to request legislation that will result in more sustainable sources of funding. Access points on rivers like the Middle Fork Snoqualmie (Island Drop), Snoqualmie Powerhouse, Clearwater and MF Nooksack, Hoh, Clearwater in Queets watershed, Pilchuck Creek, Lower Suiattle, Upper Sultan, Upper Washougal, Siouxon Creek, and Wenatchee all have access points from DNR or WDFW managed land and would be affected. In addition popular hiking destinations such as Mt. Si are on DNR-managed land.
Specific goals of the legislation include:
- address maintenance backlogs for facilities and trails
- provide safer recreation experiences
- better protect state resources
- address critical land maintenance needs (such as fencing and invasive weed control).
DNR has drafted legislation that proposes four elements and is in the process of soliciting input from user groups including American Whitewater.
- Establish a $40 "Explore Washington Pass" that would be required for all individuals 19 an older and be sold through the Fish and Wildlife licensing system.
- Authorize DNR to charge user fees (currently DNR is not authorized to charge user fees so could not issue the pass above)
- Increase the cost of personalized license plates (the proposed $10 increase would generate and estimated $1.3 million in revenue)
- Increase efficiency of law enforcement by granting reciprocal authority to WDFW, DNR, and State Parks law enforcement officers. Authorize state to recoup costs of correcting damage through vandalism, theft, and other illegal activities.
We are seeking input from the paddling community on these proposals. Feedback received by Tuesday January 18th, 8am will be used in response to draft legislative proposals. Responses beyond this date are still useful as we determine how to respond to legislation that may be introduced.
Specific goals of the legislation include:
- address maintenance backlogs for facilities and trails
- provide safer recreation experiences
- better protect state resources
- address critical land maintenance needs (such as fencing and invasive weed control).
DNR has drafted legislation that proposes four elements and is in the process of soliciting input from user groups including American Whitewater.
- Establish a $40 "Explore Washington Pass" that would be required for all individuals 19 an older and be sold through the Fish and Wildlife licensing system.
- Authorize DNR to charge user fees (currently DNR is not authorized to charge user fees so could not issue the pass above)
- Increase the cost of personalized license plates (the proposed $10 increase would generate and estimated $1.3 million in revenue)
- Increase efficiency of law enforcement by granting reciprocal authority to WDFW, DNR, and State Parks law enforcement officers. Authorize state to recoup costs of correcting damage through vandalism, theft, and other illegal activities.
We are seeking input from the paddling community on these proposals. Feedback received by Tuesday January 18th, 8am will be used in response to draft legislative proposals. Responses beyond this date are still useful as we determine how to respond to legislation that may be introduced.