Project Overview
To begin addressing these challenges, the 2016 Washington State Legislature directed the WA State Parks and Recreation Commission, in partnership with the WA Department of Natural Resources and the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife, to work with the Ruckelshaus Center to “coordinate a process to develop options and recommendations to improve consistency, equity, and simplicity in recreational access fee systems while accounting for the fiscal health and stability of public land management.” The budget proviso (pdf) also requested exploration of the potential for “federal and state permit fee coordination,” including a “single pass to provide access to state and federal lands” and a “comprehensive and consistent approach to recreational fee discounts and exemptions.”
The Center conducted a situation assessment which informed the scope and composition of a Leadership Team and work groups. These groups met from March-November 2017 and directed research which informed the development of three packages of potential and comprehensive improvements to the existing recreation fee system, one being the preferred package. The state land management agencies, Legislature, and Governor’s Office have taken steps to begin implementing recommendations included in the final report, “Recreation Fees in Washington State: Options & Recommendations.”
Leadership Team: Options & Recommendations
The “Pass-Free Access Package” is the preferred recommendation, based on the voting members of the Leadership Team seeing it as the best fit with the parameters of the proviso. The “Two-Vehicle Pass System – Building on Success Package” and “One-Vehicle Pass System – Reduced Fees Package” are also recommended as potential improvements to the status quo.
Reports & Work Products
Situation Assessment of Recreation Access Fee Systems in Washington State
Full Report – Situation Assessment of Recreation Access Fee Systems in Washington State. (.pdf)
Final Report - Recreation Fees in Washington State: Options & Recommendations
Executive Summary (.pdf)
Full Report: Recreation Fees in WA: Options and Recommendations (.pdf)
- Appendix A: Legislative Budget Proviso (2ESHB 2376) (.pdf)
- Appendix B: Overview of the William D. Ruckelshaus Center (.pdf)
- Appendix C: Participant List (.pdf)
- Appendix D: Survey Analysis – WA State Outdoor Recreation Survey Report (.pdf)
- Appendix E: Description of Passes in Washington (.pdf)
- Appendix F: Overview of State and Federal Land Management Agencies (.pdf)
- Appendix G: Recreation Fee Systems – State Case Studies (.pdf)
- Appendix H: Holistic Look at Exemptions and Reduced-Fees in US (.pdf)
- Appendix I: Evaluation Criteria/Tool for Exemptions (.pdf)
- Appendix J: 2018 Draft Budget Proviso on Recreational Access (.pdf)
Related Reports
- 2002:
- 2010:
- 2013:
- 2014:
- 2015:
- 2016:
- 2017:
Resources
For more information, contact:
Molly Stenovec
Ruckelshaus Center
Project Manager
(206) 219-2411
molly.stenovec@wsu.edu