WDFW Vehicle Access Pass Legislation 3/11 Update

[bigtex]

Well this is a pretty simple bill that was introduced today.

Senate Bill 5080 would allow holders of the WDFW access pass to ALSO access DNR lands with the WDFW Pass. Essentially meaning the only areas hunters/fishers couldn't go without purchasing a Discover Pass is State Parks.

As of right now there is only ONE sponsor for this bill, Republican Senator Doug Erickson. If you want this bill to pass I highly suggest you contact your state Senator to either a) support the bill, or b) become a co-sponsor. As of right now there is no similar bill in the House.

http://dlr.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/default.aspx?Bill=5080&year=2013

[huntnphool]

About time someone realized how ridiculous the "pass" issue has gotten.

[sirmissalot]

We should still get access to state parks... But a step in the right direction.

[Bob33]

Find your representatives: http://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/

[huntrights]

Find your legislator:

http://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/

Message of support sent. 

Writing your reps only takes a couple of minutes, and it makes a BIG difference.

Bigtex,
Thanks for keeping us informed about new legislation that needs our support or opposition.

[bigtex]

This IS going to be an uphill battle 1) there is currently only one sponsor to this bill, usually the more sponsors the better the chance the bill has of passing 2) there is going to be a significant amount of loss revenue, where are they going to make that up at?

[bobcat]

Sounds like the perfect solution to me. I don't believe we should be given free access to state parks. But we should be able to hunt on DNR land without having to purchase a separate pass.

[walt]

I'd probably even buy a discover pass and start using the State Parks again if this passes.  I'm fine with pay to play.  The main reason I haven't and won't is out of spite...

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Just as Bobcat said!

[Bob33]

I'd probably even buy a discover pass and start using the State Parks again if this passes.  I'm fine with pay to play.  The main reason I haven't and won't is out of spite...

I think that sentiment is probably shared by many hunters, and thus there would be some additional revenues that may not be considered should this occur. It's a slap in the face to hunters to have to pay twice.

[lokidog]

I'd probably even buy a discover pass and start using the State Parks again if this passes.  I'm fine with pay to play.  The main reason I haven't and won't is out of spite...

I think that sentiment is probably shared by many hunters, and thus there would be some additional revenues that may not be considered should this occur. It's a slap in the face to hunters to have to pay twice.

X2   Although I just found out my wife bought one to go to one of the island state parks for a school field trip.  And here I was avoiding DNR land last year.   

[sirmissalot]

What's the logic on believing we should still have to pay to use state parks?

[luvtohnt]

What's the logic on believing we should still have to pay to use state parks?

Because it costs a LOT of money to keep them maintained, and facilities up to date. 

I also have no problem paying to access state parks, but I avoided any DNR land like it was the plauge. I would be willing to buy a discover pass as well if we can go on DNR with the WDFW pass. Like mentioned above I avoided the purchase out of spite.

Brandon

[Tom Reichner]

This IS going to be an uphill battle 1) there is currently only one sponsor to this bill, usually the more sponsors the better the chance the bill has of passing 2) there is going to be a significant amount of loss revenue, where are they going to make that up at?

A few years ago, I didn't have to pay for a pass to go to these areas.  Now, I do.  That results in a significant (for me) loss of funds . .  where am I going to make up for that?

[washelkhunter]

Just sent a missive to Senator Don Benton 17th district asking him to co-sponsor and support.  He'll do it.