As with many states across the West, Washington is facing a challenging budget situation. Despite representing only 1% of the total budget, natural resource agencies are bracing for potentially significant cuts. This could impact both recreational access to rivers and state programs that protect water quality. American Whitewater has spent time at the state legislature speaking up on the value of important programs for rivers.

Recreational Access

In Washington State three agencies manage access to rivers: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Washington State Parks (State Parks). All three agencies have been struggling for ways to keep their facilities open as they face the prospect of declining support from the state's general fund. Originally WDFW and DNR proposed an Explore Washington Pass that would have required every individual recreating on lands managed by these agencies to purchase a $40 license that users would carry on their person. Consistent with other user groups we work with, 72% of our members were opposed to this approach.

In response to concerns and issues raised, Senator Kevin Ranker unveiled an alternative proposal this week (SB 5622). This legislation would authorize one access fee for all three state land management agencies: State Parks, DNR & WDFW.  His proposal addresses several of the specific concerns many of our members raised in response to our recent survey. Overall respondents to our survey were opposed to the individual Explore Washington Pass. Several paddlers who responded commented on the inefficiencies of trying to enforce this and others commented on the impact to the user experience and the idea of having to "show your papers" to be on state land. Senator Ranker's proposal is a vehicle pass that could be purchased with car tab renewal and it would cover all three state agencies: WDFW, DNR, and State Parks. So your one pass would cover you for the Green (State Parks), MF Snoqualmie (DNR), and Wenatchee (WDFW) addressing the concern several paddlers raised of having another piece of paper to stuff in the glovebox. In our survey 69% of our members supported this integrated approach across state agencies utilizing a vehicle pass.

Here are the key aspects of Senator Ranker's proposal:

- $40 per-vehicle annual fee/$30 if you get your pass when you renew your vehicle tabs (passes are tied to one specific license plate, no sharing)
- $10 per vehicle day pass
- Voucher for free pass when you volunteer 40 hours at one or more agency
- Revenue split - 84% to state parks , 8% to DNR, 8% to WDFW
- Revenue projections - approx. 60 million to SP, 5.5 million to DNR, 5.5 million to DFW
-  Special event fees not addressed, would be handled by each respective agency
- Fee not applicable to those who arrive by bicycle, boat, etc

Based on the feedback received in our member survey and our analysis of how this legislation addresses concerns that were raised, American Whitewater has weighed in to support the Senator's approach with a couple of qualifications. To date it appears to be the best idea going and in light of pressures on the general fund we will see some alternative means of funding the recreational programs of state land agencies. We know some are opposed to any fees on state lands and we have raised this issue. However we have a better chance of getting a program that is actually workable and reasonable if we work with legislature on this. In addition, having some skin in the game does provide us with additional leverage in discussions with land managers. We will be focusing our discussions with land managers on promoting a low level of development on sites managed by state agencies that do not require significant ongoing operations and maintenance costs--many of you commented that in most cases all we need is a place to park a vehicle and a simple trail to the water.

Our complete testimony is linked to this article (see links on right). We encourage paddlers to weigh in directly with members of the state legislature.

Department of Ecology Water Programs

A work session was held at the state legislature last week to discuss funding of the Natural Resource agencies. One topic of discussion was the Department of Ecoloy's Water Resources Programs. We spoke up through testimony we delivered regarding the value of rivers in our state. In light of the many demands we place on our rivers and the significant benefits healthy rivers provide, the value of Department of Ecology Programs to quantify instream flows is extremely important. Healthy rivers with sufficient clean and cool water sustain Washington’s diverse economy. Our rivers are used for hydropower, agricultural irrigation, sustain our iconic salmon, and provide outstanding recreational benefits. In balancing these uses and the economic benefits rivers provide we need accurate information on water quantity and quality. This is where the Department of Ecology’s Water Resources programs are critically important for science, monitoring, and enforcement.

Our complete testimony is linked to this article (see links on right). We encourage paddlers to weigh in directly with members of the state legislature on the value of Department of Ecology Water Resources Programs.