Finally. And effective immediately.

http://blog.thenewstribune.com/adventure/2012/03/30/discover-pass-can-now-be-used-in-two-vehicles/

WDFW NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov/

March 30, 2012

Contact: Virginia Painter, State Parks, (360) 902-8562
Sandy Mealing, State Parks, (360) 902-8559
Bryan Flint, DNR, (360) 902-1023
Margaret Ainscough, WDFW, (360) 902-2408

Discover Pass transferability signed into law

OLYMPIA – March 30, 2012 – A single, state recreation land pass now can be used on either of two motor vehicles, thanks to new legislation signed today by Gov. Chris Gregoire.

The change takes effect immediately. Holders of previously issued annual passes may enter a second vehicle license number on their existing pass.

Pass transfer between two vehicles also applies to vehicle access passes (VAPs) issued free with purchases of annual fishing and hunting licenses for access to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) recreation lands and water- access sites.

"The Discover Pass is a great way to experience some of Washington’s most extraordinary places and this legislation makes it even easier to visit our state parks and recreation lands," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "Our parks, some of the best in the world, rely on user support and this small investment to enjoy our public lands is well worth it."

The Discover Pass was created by the 2011 Legislature and took effect last July. The pass - required to park motor vehicles in state parks and other state recreation lands - was created to make up for reductions in state general fund support for state recreation lands. The new modifications were adopted in Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2373, originally sponsored by Rep. Kevin Van De Wege and Rep. Steve Tharinger.

The annual Discover Pass is sold for $30 and provides vehicle access to millions of acres of state recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, WDFW and the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). One-day passes are available for $10 but are not transferable.

The Discover Pass is sold through state vehicle-licensing outlets, at state parks, at some retail businesses and through WDFW’s recreational licensing system, known as the Washington Interactive Licensing System (WILD). Transaction and dealer fees may apply.

Eighty-four percent of Discover Pass revenues go to State Parks, while WDFW and DNR each receive 8 percent.

So far, revenue from Discover Pass sales has come in at less than half of original projections. Projected sales through the end of 2011 were $19.38 million, while actual revenue for the period was $8.2 million.

"Customers have asked for transferable passes, the agencies sought this change and the Legislature has responded," said Don Hoch, State Parks director. "Customer survey results indicated that pass transferability between two vehicles could boost support for the Discover Pass. We are optimistic that the change will lead to greater public support and participation. We now depend on the Discover Pass to keep state parks and other state recreation lands open for public use and enjoyment."

The new legislation also allows for future development of new types of Discover Pass products and provides flexibility in how they are implemented.

For more information, visit the Discover Pass website at www.discoverpass.wa.gov .


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Fish on...

Todd

I'm not big into vandelism but I have to chuckle at the number of "Discover Pass" signs I've seen that either have been annihilated or had direct messages to the state written on them.

They are recyclable.

So will WDFW now take the "hint" and go back to two vehicles?

From the above press release. Looks like they will.....


"Pass transfer between two vehicles also applies to vehicle access passes (VAPs) issued free with purchases of annual fishing and hunting licenses for access to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) recreation lands and water- access sites."

Oops, seems like I was "busy" reading up on PP and not checking my messages - the WDFW News Release came in at 3:46.

The instructions pursuant to the Discovery Pass is as follows:

"The change takes effect immediately. Holders of previously issued annual passes may enter a second vehicle license number on their existing pass."

I'm going to go out on a very thick limb and do the same with the VAP that accompied my new licenses.

Whoopie Crap! I have no use for the State Parks. So I get to pay an additional $30 for access that was free last year.
I've asked this before..........
Why should I pay for parks that receive 84% of the income when I only use the other 16%??
Let the people who USE the freakin park pay for it, fer cryin out loud.

I still ain't buy'n one.

Never intended to, no intention of and not going to.

They get enough other fees from my various forms of recreation; this is just salt in the wounds and where I draw the line.

yup, that's it!

I'm not a fan of the Discover Pass fee, but I do enjoy visiting many state parks and fishing there. Based on last year, I'd say the DP cost me well less then a $1.00 per park visit.
I'm not going to let $30.00 a year get in the way of doing what I enjoy.
I use the parks so I'll pay the tab.

Don't plan on buying a Discover Pass. Did get a VAP today with my license purchase. Has a single line for a single license number. So, do I write two numbers on that line, ask for another pass, or wait until a VAP is issued with two lines? Why can't they pass this crap in a timely manner, so the right passes are ready at renewal time? You'd think FEMA was running this state..."Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job!"

CedarR, as noted above the instruction for the Discover Pass is to simply write in the second license number. Insofar as WDFW decided to emulate the Discover Pass by reducing the number of vehicles on the VAP from two to one (and why did they do that???) I think it is safe to follow the new "write it in" directions.

But remember that the VAP once had a value and could be purchased separately - something not now available. I believe the Department refers to the VAP issued with a qualifying license as a gratuity. Not that I am paranoid but anything they give you for nothing can be taken away leaving us with the fully developed Discover Pass - at a price.

Of course, that is all speculation but always keep your eye on the ball.

i've noticed people parking outside the state park gates , then walking in. Am I understanding this right? People don't need a discover pass, only your vehicle if you want to park on state park land?

some friends ride horses on state land by their house and the state post it as discover pass need. this land is also post no motor powered vehicles allowed

I bought a new hunting and fishing license today at wholesale sports in Silverdale........the VAP had lines for two vehicles.......girls behind the counter did not know that you could add second vehicle to Discover Pass.......asked for license to fish for everything in Wa State except Dungeness Crab, also purchased elk,,deer,,and,turkey,tags.........to complicated I think, had to write two checks and then pay cash for the Columbia River endorsement, or another check. I'm afraid to look at my license but do you think they included shellfish and seaweed portion???? If I go for razor clams, I will check at Montesano to see if I am good to go........one check was'nt going to cut it today for one purchase

If you told them you didn't want to crab they may well have NOT included a shellfish license (but they should have asked). But not to worry, a crisp new $20 bill should cover the addition to the wad of licenses already in your wallet.

Dave, did I read it right? Dropped your exemption this year?

No respect......none. Fkn Olympians!!

Has anyone else noticed WDFW access sites changing their signs to "Discover Pass Required" ? Thought I remembered seeing a few change on the Snohomish...

Thomas' Eddy, near Crab Bar now Discover pass required. County/State Also posting "No Parking " signs on roads near Discover Pass Parking lots.
Gotta love this state. Pretty soon you'll have to pay to park to go shop for groceries.