2011 legislative needs

[Hangfire]

Following is a portion of a WDFW news release, todays date. They talk how the budget is being cut and they need more money for maintenance of WDFW lands.  They are seeking public input.:

For the 2011 legislative session,  the DNR and WDFW are jointly proposing new legislation to create stable, dedicated funding for state recreation lands. The legislative proposal includes several key features:
   •    An increase in the portion of Washington's gas tax revenues available to DNR, WDFW and Washington State Parks for managing recreation lands for boaters, snowmobilers and off-road vehicle riders. The proposal would calculate the one percent refund on the full 37.5-cent-per-gallon gas tax base, rather than at the current 22 cent-per-gallon rate, beginning in 2013. The gas tax refund change would provide about $250,000 annually in new funds for WDFW lands.
   •    An "Explore Washington Pass" for access to WDFW and DNR lands. This pass would replace WDFW's current annual vehicle-use permit.  Under the proposal, annual lands access pass would be $40 for general users age 19 and older, or $5 for those purchasing fishing or hunting licenses or a watchable-wildlife package. Short-term passes would be available at $20 for a three-day pass; $15 for a two-day pass; and $10 for a one-day pass. The passes would be sold through WDFW's existing WILD recreational licensing system. Revenue from the new pass, estimated at $5.5 million annually, would be split between WDFW and DNR for land management capital, operational, maintenance and enforcement needs.
   •    A $10 increase in the cost of personalized license plates (raising the cost of new plates from $42 to $52, and renewals from $32 to $42 annually). The change would generate an estimated $1.3 million in additional revenue each biennium, dedicated to habitat work for threatened and endangered species on WDFW lands.
   •    Provisions that would allow WDFW and DNR to jointly enforce land use regulations, and would allow the agencies to seek restitution from those who damage state lands.

[bigtex]

I see no problem with any of these.

[lokidog]

I don't like the gas tax one because then the off-road vehicle users will think they should have more open gates and access....   

[Wacenturion]

I have a problem with it mainly because WDFW won't apply those revenues the right way that maximizes efforts.  Be the same ol' approach, hiring more managers to oversee ghost field efforts.  Not going to work folks....wildlife lands have been custodial in nature for 40 + years, now all of a sudden, some additional revenue coming in is going to change all that?

Who are we kidding.  Just say no.  Before they start tagging us all with additional taxes, let them demonstrate they know what they are doing.  The management mindset that operates within WDFW is far from fiscally responsible ....and these proposals will end up being a complete waste of funds just like the recent application fee increases to provide more access, which also is a bunch of baloney. 

 

[Wacenturion]

Oh....and the license fee increase for personalized plates......

 A $10 increase in the cost of personalized license plates (raising the cost of new plates from $42 to $52, and renewals from $32 to $42 annually). The change would generate an estimated $1.3 million in additional revenue each biennium, dedicated to habitat work for threatened and endangered species on WDFW lands.

That's a dedicated fund...nothing changes.  WDFW lands in the description just leads one to believe it's land related.  It's not....it's non-game only.

[Elkaholic daWg]

 Endangered, such as in  those killing machines of the north that are NOT endangered. They would LOOSE my plate money for sure

[Wacenturion]

Also consider those "free' access parking permits you hang on your rear view mirror.  That actually were not free....just promoted as such years ago, but fees in other areas were boosted slightly to account for them.

Ask yourself this.............what wonderful new things have you seen done on your local boat launches lately.  That should tell you all you need to know about new fees to manage lands.

[WDFW-SUX]

Wait till you guys see how much they are going to jack up prices next year...

[Curly]

I see no problem with any of these.

I don't either.  I especially like the access pass idea.  It is time for the mountain bikers and hikers to start contributing some money.

I'd also like to see some pay cuts given to some of the State Employees........especially the upper managers.  Maybe even cut some of their vacation and sick leave, whatever needs to be done to balance budgets without trying to fix their budget problems by jacking up hunting and fishing license fees by a huge margin.

[Special T]

2 points  1 I actually thought about getting a specialized plate because i want my funds to go to a dedicated acct...  the governor cut the WDFW's budget due to those funds so an increase won't help them. 2 I think the gas tax isn't a new tax i think it an accounting gimmick... the state pays gas tax on all its fuel, then they get a "rebate" from the state giving them the tax back... they are talking about giving them the rebate on a larger percentage.... 

[Elkaholic daWg]

   •    Provisions that would allow WDFW and DNR to jointly enforce land use regulations, and would allow the agencies to seek restitution from those who damage state lands.


 I have an idea after returning from my elk trip to the colockum.
 

 The US forest circus hasn't logged any thing in washington in about 30 years, but they still sell Christmas tree permits. all their trees are now over the limit they say you can cut.  Since the state has been clear cutting up there ever since the colockum is FULL of beautiful 5' to 15' noble,and alpine firs.
 And TOO MANY of them. pay to thin them, or make money to thin them. NAW....makes too much sense!
  They won't be easy to get to in December, but I bet many would buy permits, especially sledders which love the area.


 Since the DFW has traded most of their higher elevation forests with DNR for lower shrub/steppe, maybe DFW could sell shrub permits.



   •    An "Explore Washington Pass" for access to WDFW and DNR lands. This pass would replace WDFW's current annual vehicle-use permit.  Under the proposal, annual lands access pass would be $40 for general users age 19 and older, or $5 for those purchasing fishing or hunting licenses or a watchable-wildlife package. Short-term passes would be available at $20 for a three-day pass; $15 for a two-day pass; and $10 for a one-day pass. The passes would be sold through WDFW's existing WILD recreational licensing system. Revenue from the new pass, estimated at $5.5 million annually, would be split between WDFW and DNR for land management capital, operational, maintenance and enforcement needs.


 Seems this one might require some enforcement personnell