Governor Scheduled to Sign SB 5622

Inquiring hikers will be pleased to learn that Governor Gregoire is signing SB 5622, which authorizes the Discover Pass today, May 12, at 1:30 pm.  If you'd like to see footage of the signing, go to www.tvw.org.  To refresh your memory on the Discover Pass, please visit our Discover Pass FAQ.  To find out which passes you need to hike in Washington, check out our Recreation Pass Info page.

In related news, the state agencies administering the pass have created a new website, www.discoverpass.wa.gov, which will include yet another FAQ, the skinny on how to buy a pass, information about exemptions from the Discover Pass, contact information and links to agency websites. The website will be live after the Governor signs the bill today.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the hikers who stepped up to support this legislation as it wound its way through the legislative process. While we're not exactly enthusiastic about paying to visit state lands, we realize that to keep these areas open, we'll have to do so. It's a testimony to the pragmatism and generosity of spirit of the hiking community that you saw that need as well.