I attended today's Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. They are about as excited about the idea of a merger as you guys are... that is to say, not at all. Many of you raised very valid concerns that are shared by Parks.

There are no illusions that merging would save any real money, or that it would increase funding to Parks in any way. They're just as concerned about WDFW trying to take their funds as you are about the reverse

They will be implementing a day use fee for State Parks beginning in July. $5/car, or $10 (proposed for now, could change) for an annual pass for WA residents, and you can get one when you renew your license tabs (this will replace the current donation program). More for out of staters, maybe $25.

They are still working out lots of details, those numbers are not finalized, but I would be very surprised to see any changes to the concept.

Someone mentioned Flaming Geyser earlier in the thread? That park needs millions of dollars to completely overhaul its sewage, water, and other infrastructre needs. The park was always scheduled to close, it's just that now there is no funding to do the repairs, putting a reopen date indefinitely down the road.


Please write to the governor and your elected officials to let them know how you feel about this proposed merger. They are moving very quickly on everything and your voice needs to be heard!