Tell Legislators: Please Fund State Parks

The Washington State Legislature is in extra innings, and funding for Washington State Parks is at stake.

The House and Senate wrapped up their regular session without agreeing on a budget. In fact, they adjourned with competing proposals that are $2 billion apart. Lawmakers are back in Olympia, May 20 to come to agree on a final budget.

• The House raises new revenue and funds basic services at higher levels, including $23.7 million for State Parks.
• The Senate raises no new revenue and makes deep cuts, including cutting $5 million from the already-slim 2011-2013 State Parks Operating allocation, bringing them to $16 million.

WTA supports the general funding of 23.7 million for State Parks in the House budget. Furthermore, WTA is excited by an amendment offered by Representative Larry Seaquist that would match each dollar of Discover Pass revenue with a dollar of general fund. That would benefit all three Discover Pass agencies, and would help State Parks dig out of its chronic budget hole.

We are also asking for a $50,000 appropriation to the Recreation and Conservation Office to study the potential implementation of a joint State Lands/National Forest Pass.

Here's how you can help:

Please call the legislative hotline at 1.800.562.6000. When connected with your Washington State Legislators, ask them to:

• Support the House version of State Parks funding at 23.7 million.
• Support the Seaquist Amendment to HB 1935 for sustainable funding for State Parks, DNR and Fish and Wildlife.
• Support WTA's request for $50,000 to RCO to study a joint State Lands/National Forest Pass.