PEAK PUTTERS

SB 5761 -Creating a recreation pass for use on lands owned by the Department of Natural Resources.

This piece of legislation was introduced by Senator Jacobsen and was referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean and Recreation. To view original bill <http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5761

( Digest of Bill) It declares an intent to create a recreation pass that will be available to serve as a renewable annual recreation pass (not to exceed $15.00 per pass per year) that is valid at any recreation site owned by the Department of Natural Resources; requires a person to purchase and display pass to access recreation sites; and creates the departments recreation pass account. DNR must use at least seventy-five percent of the funds for maintenance, repair and equipment for DNR recreation sites and no more than twenty-five can be used for the collection and processing the fees for the DNR Lands Recreation Pass.

The Full Committee will be holding a public hearing Thursday, February 12 at 10:00 am in the Senate Hearing Room #2 in the J.A. Cherberg Building in Olympia.

Committee members and how to contact them:

Ken Jacobsen (Chairman) - jacobsen.ken@leg.wa.gov
Dan Swecker - swecker.dan@leg.wa.gov
Val Stevens - stevens.val@leg.wa.gov
Bob Morton - morton.bob@leg.wa.gov
Jim Hargrove - hargrove.jim@leg.wa.gov
Karen Fraser - fraser.karen@leg.wa.gov
Brian Hatfield - hatfield.brian@leg.wa.gov
Kevin Ranker - ranker.kevin@leg.wa.gov

Summary of public testimony given (Pro - Con - Other).

CON: DNR has 143 recreation sites that are mapped and maintained; however, the recreational use on the trails and reads are growing. The bill needs clarity in defining the term "designated sites" and "motor vehicles." DNR is always open to opportunities and new ways of funding recreation activities on state land. The amount of revenue generated by the recreational pass may not be enough to cover the costs of administering the program. Under current law, landowners do not have liability if they do not charge a fee, so the bill needs to include liability protection for DNR. DNR has concerns with the youth aquatic discount portion of the bill. Currently, DNR provides free rent from piers if there is free access for the public. The 50 percent discount might set a precedent that could be expanded and have a negative impact. Sno parks should be expemted from this legislation to allow parking at these sites during winter months. It is important to treat all recreational users equitably, so any fee should be applied fairly.

PRO: None