Beginning July 1, Washington will charge a $30 annual fee or $10 a visit to its state parks and other state-managed recreation lands.
Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a bill May 12 creating a new Discover Pass. "I applaud the Legislature for coming together with a solution that allows us to help keep our state recreation lands open and accessible during the worst budget crisis in the state's history," she said.
An annual vehicle pass is $30 with a day pass $10. Beginning July 1, visitors will need to display the Discover Pass on their vehicle when visiting state recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The fine for not displaying the pass is $99.
At certain designated locations visitors will be able to park for up to 30 minutes without the pass. Campers do not need to pay the fee, only for their campsite. Also, anyone holding a Sno-Park winter-recreation pass and hunting or fishing license for certain state-managed lands do not need a Discover Pass.
Visitors can purchase passes online or from 600 retail outlets that also sell hunting and fishing licenses. It will be available mid-June. Beginning in the fall of 2011, Washington residents will be able to purchase the Discover Pass through the state Department of Licensing vehicle registration and tab renewal process.
Beginning July 1, 2011, you will need to display the Discover Pass on your vehicle when visiting state recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The fine for not displaying the pass is $99.
As usual, Washington State has written a law that is as clear as mud. In some cases you need the pass, and in others you don't. But we should also be thankful to the people that wrote this artice for helping to clear it up. Yep, still clear as mud.
ReplyDelete