SB 6293 Would Repeal the Mandatory Use of WDFW/Discover Pass on State Lands

[bigtex]

Senate Bill 6293 sponsored by Senators Braun, Tom, Angel, Hill, Parlette, and Bailey will be introduced this week. The bill, would eliminate the WDFW Pass and remove the requirement of the Discover Pass for state lands. The Discover Pass will be a voluntary pass and essentially serve as the donation collection program for DNR, Parks, and WDFW. These donations will be placed into the Recreation Pass Account which is where all Discover Pass sales and fine money goes to. This is the account which is split with DNR and WDFW each receiving 8% of the funds and Parks receiving 84%.

So the question is, where does the funding that is lost with this pass come from?

Under the bill a portion of the fees that are collected by county auditors and the secretary of state for things such as copies and reporting documents will move from being given to the state heritage center to the Recreation Pass Account.

The bill would take effect January 1, 2015 and no refunds will be issued for those that held a valid Discover Pass at that time.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=6293&year=2013

[Curly]

As much as I hate the Discover Pass, I think this Bill is wrong. 

I'd rather see a Bill that simply removed the need for the pass on DNR land except for parking at trailheads and DNR campgrounds.

[Curly]

Why eliminate the WDFW pass?  That is the main problem I have with this bill.  I like the fact that those people that use the boat ramps that are just there skiing or jetskiing or just boating have to pay something toward the facilities.  How is WDFW supposed to fund those facilities if they get rid of the WDFW pass?  They will likely increase the fishing/hunting license fees.

[JLS]

Why eliminate the WDFW pass?  That is the main problem I have with this bill.  I like the fact that those people that use the boat ramps that are just there skiing or jetskiing or just boating have to pay something toward the facilities.  How is WDFW supposed to fund those facilities if they get rid of the WDFW pass?  They will likely increase the fishing/hunting license fees.

 

[Special T]

I'm suspect as to the motive of this bill. I think it is a bad bill for the same reasons Curly has stated.  Our state is base on the premis that you should pay for the resources you use. So if I support the WDFW through hunting or fishing Lic then i should gain acess to the land, since that is the main thrust of WHY the WDFW owns land is acess. Using a boat launch, or maintained trail head is using a resource no matter the owner. Parking the truck on the side of the loggin road is NOT utilizing any resource, ESPECIALLY if its DNR land because thier emphesis is on making $ from timber sales

[buckfvr]

People should pay for improved facilities to include camp grounds, restrooms, trail heads, and boat ramps.............

I agree its the only way to make the majority of the users pay because not all are licensed to hunt and fish.

HOWEVER.........if you make people pay, we should not have to put up with over flowing, full to the seat crappers, or locked toilets,.........and run down hazardous boat ramps......and garbage in the fire pits.....I know they have started taking pics of messes left in campgrounds to go along with pics of vehicles parked in the same spots so they can send out tickets once they leave all their garbage, so lets keep things clean and respectable.

[trophyhunt]

I deeply hate the discover pass, revenue needs to come from somewhere but that pass should be free to hunters and fisherman. But they won't do that so, do away with the damn pass!

[pianoman9701]

Now, we're talkin'. 

[washelkhunter]

I think I'm ok with this bill since the DP is voluntary. All state lands are accessed by state owned roads payed for and maintained thru one of the highest state gas taxes in the nation; and which may soon be as much as $1 more per gallon  . We are being taxed 3 ways till sunday with the DP on top of the taxes to fund state parks which should be self sustaining and if not, sold off or privatized. I dont recall ever hearing about hunters calling for special trailheads, facilities or campgrounds on state lands. But I still maintain the purchasors of licenses to hunt and fish should get a free pass. Folding WDFW into the parks was a huge error.

[Special T]

IMO this is a back door attempt to do away with the WDFW pass that you get as a part of your lic fee. IF they take the cost away and the ability to get your WDFW they can come back and make EVERYONE pay including hunters for a pass... I'm a skeptic because i have very little trust for our representatives actually passing good law.

[bigtex]

The intent of the bill is to provide free access to public lands, this is why the WDFW pass is total repealed. And the Discover Pass is made from mandatory to voluntary.

[NoBark]

Sell Bertha, build an elevated roadway and give the rest of the money to parks.......

[CAMPMEAT]

People should pay for improved facilities to include camp grounds, restrooms, trail heads, and boat ramps.............

I agree its the only way to make the majority of the users pay because not all are licensed to hunt and fish.

HOWEVER.........if you make people pay, we should not have to put up with over flowing, full to the seat crappers, or locked toilets,.........and run down hazardous boat ramps......and garbage in the fire pits.....I know they have started taking pics of messes left in campgrounds to go along with pics of vehicles parked in the same spots so they can send out tickets once they leave all their garbage, so lets keep things clean and respectable.

..............and, not allowing ORV's into campgrounds in the Loomis areas by the manager of the WDFW out of Loomis.

[jstone]

I already pay around 250 for all of my tags and special permits I shoulnt have to buy that discovery pass all the hikers and people who camp should. We who already pay should just qet there bp with there lis.

[bigtex]

Senator Roach (R) has added her name as a sponsor of this bill.