Kessler, Van De Wege push voluntary fee to keep state parks open

April 21, 2009

OLYMPIA – When the state’s budget shortfall meant that dozens of state parks faced closure, state Rep. Lynn Kessler (D – Hoquiam) felt a particular sense of urgency. Several parks in her district were on the list for closure or transfer, and she began hearing immediately from constituents.

“Our state parks provide many families with an affordable way to recreate,” Kessler said. “My office was flooded with calls and emails from people saying ‘Please don’t close our parks’.”

Kessler knew a day-use fee was not the answer. Washington had such a fee several years ago, but it proved hugely unpopular and caused attendance at state parks to plunge. Two years ago, Kessler sponsored a bill to add a voluntary $5 donation to the annual car tab renewal fee in place of the day-use fee. This year, she is proposing that the $5 donation be “opt-out” rather and “opt-in.”

The House passed the proposal yesterday, sending it over to the Senate for consideration.

“This is a way to avoid shuttering parks,” said Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (D – Sequim), who signed on to co-sponsor the bill. “Those people who would rather not pay the $5 don’t have to pay it. It’s 100 percent voluntary.”

But both Kessler and Van De Wege believe that there are many people who will voluntarily add $5 to their car tab fee in order to continue to be able to camp at their favorite campground, swim at their favorite beach, or hike their favorite trail.

Additionally, the legislators point out that there are plenty of other examples of the “opt-out” principle being employed, such as by employer 401k plans – a practice which has been encouraged over the years.

The Senate will have to take up the bill this week, as the legislative session is scheduled to conclude on Sunday. The bill number is HB 2339.