Volunteers
Q. Can volunteers obtain a complimentary Discover Pass?
A. Yes. Volunteers who work 24 hours on agency-approved projects can earn a complimentary annual pass. Each agency must provide vouchers to volunteers, recording the number of hours they worked on each project. Volunteers can redeem the voucher for the annual Discover Pass. The three agencies have developed policies for the complimentary Discover Pass, such as where and how volunteers get vouchers, what constitutes an agency-approved project and where people can go to redeem their vouchers.
Q. Who is eligible to earn a complimentary Discover Pass?
A. Participants must be approved, registered volunteers who have completed any and all required training and work on agency-approved projects.
Q. What training is required?
A. The agency conducting the volunteer event will determine what kind of training, if any, is required.
Q. How do I get a complimentary Discover Pass?
A. Each eligible volunteer may receive one complimentary Discover Pass by participating in 24 hours of work on eligible volunteer projects and providing documentation of participation on Volunteer Vouchers provided by the agencies.
Q. How many complimentary Discover Passes can I earn?
A. One complimentary Discover Pass will be issued to an eligible volunteer in any 12-month period.
Q. What volunteer projects are considered eligible for the Discover Pass?
A. Together, the three agencies have developed general criteria for volunteer and project eligibility. In addition, each agency is developing specific criteria for its volunteer program.
Q. Do I need to purchase a Discover Pass, or a WDFW Vehicle Access Pass (where applicable) to access state recreation lands while participating in eligible volunteer projects?
No. Volunteers will be provided with a "business only" temporary pass on the day of a scheduled volunteer event, which will allow them access for that day.
Q. What are Volunteer Vouchers and how do I get them?
A. Whenever you participate in a Discover Pass-eligible volunteer project or event, you may request a Volunteer Voucher from agency staff. The voucher documents participation and the number of hours worked.
Q. Who tracks and maintain my Volunteer Vouchers until I am ready to redeem them for a pass?
A. As a volunteer, you are responsible for filling out and maintaining your Volunteer Voucher for each eligible project in which you participate. Agency staff will sign your completed Vouchers. Once you’ve accumulated 24 hours, you may redeem the vouchers for a complimentary pass.
Q. How do I redeem Volunteer Vouchers for a complimentary pass?
A. To receive your complimentary Discover Pass, follow the instructions indicated on the vouchers. Your Discover Pass will be mailed to you at the address you provide on your vouchers.
Q. Can I accrue volunteer hours from different agencies?
A. Yes. You may earn a complimentary Discover Pass by accruing eligible volunteer hours from one or all of the agencies—Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Q. Can I combine my eligible volunteer hours/vouchers with another person, friend or family member and submit them for a complimentary Discover Pass?
A. No. Each individual must accrue at least 24 eligible hours to qualify for a complimentary pass.
Q. Can volunteers who receive anything in exchange for services, such as campground hosting (free campsite/utilities) or participating in WDFW’s Master Hunter Program (special hunting access), get a complimentary Discover Pass?
A. No. The hours of service in volunteer positions that already receive something in exchange for volunteer time are not counted toward a complimentary Discover Pass.
Q. Once I have received my first complimentary Discover Pass, can I continue to earn and save hours to exchange for additional Discover Passes?
A. Yes, you may continue to earn and save hours. You may receive only one complimentary Discover Pass per 12-month period, so any additional hours will go towards a future complimentary Discover Pass. You are required to keep track of your own hours and submit them each year.
Q. Do volunteer hours donated to fulfill requirements for purposes outside of State Parks, DNR, or WDFW count towards a complimentary Discover Pass?
A. No. Volunteer hours donated to fulfill requirements for outside purposes such as school credits, graduation, or court-ordered community service are not eligible.
Q. Where can I get information about eligible volunteer projects that count toward a complimentary Discover Pass?
A. More information is available at:
Washington State Parks information line — (360) 902-8844.
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Volunteer Program Coordinator — (360) 902-2802.
Washington State Department of Natural Resources —
www.dnr.wa.gov/volunteer. (Follow the link to the volunteer calendar.)
Previous Topic
Index
