Asylum on a sea of rock: - The Mountaineers

conservationcurrents
Mountaineers help create pass to aid state parks
by Sarah Krueger
Gov. Christine Gregoire’s biennial budget for 2011-2013 eliminates
Conservation Manager
nearly all funding from the general fund for recreation on state lands.
For state Parks, the loss of general-fund money means the agency
needs to replace approximately $61 million to operate the park system.
The Department of Natural resources and Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife each need to replace $5.5 million in general fund
losses to keep recreation lands open.
The Mountaineers joined the effort to keep state
lands open to recreation by supporting the proposal
for a state-wide recreation pass as a solution to the
loss of general funds. On May 12, the governor signed
the Discover Pass into law.
As of July 1, the Discover Pass will be required for
vehicular access to state recreation lands and water
access sites managed by Washington state Parks
(state Parks), Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife (WDFW) and Washington state Department
of Natural resources (DNr). These lands include
state parks, water access points, heritage sites, wildlife
and natural areas, trails and trailheads.
The Discover Pass costs $30 per vehicle per year
or $10 per vehicle for a day-use pass plus dealer and
transaction fees. The annual pass is good for one
year from purchase date.
Volunteers who contribute 24 hours on agencyapproved
projects can earn a complimentary annual
pass. Passes are available online, at sporting goods
stores and upon renewing a vehicle license.
revenue from the Discover Pass will be split
among the three state agencies that provide recre-
Fran Troje of The Mountaineers Recreation Resources Division ational access to state lands in proportion to their
and Mark Maureen of the DNR celebrate Discover Pass
need for general fund replacement: 84 percent to
legislation.
state Parks; 8 percent to WDFW; and 8 percent to
DNr. Without the general fund or funding from the access pass, each
of the three agencies would be forced to make sharp reductions in
services and, in some cases, to close entire recreation areas.
For details and locations, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov or call 866-
320-9933.
Free LNT training for teens to be offered
On August 22 & 23, Monday and Tuesday, The Mountaineers will be offering a
Leave No Trace Trainer Certification Course for teens who are interested in passing along outdoor
ethics to others. Participants will learn safe and responsible camping, cooking and travel techniques.
We are able to offer this course for FrEE to up to 10 teens, thanks to generous donations given by
participants at our Evening of Legends. Go to our website to fill out the application!
More Conservation Currents on page 8
www.mountaineers.org
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