Though details are still vague on specific legislative information, three Washington outdoors groups are preparing to defend the preservation of popular recreation areas facing closure. Mount Tahoma Trails Association, Backcountry Horsemen of Washington, Inc., and Washington Trails Association are uniting in this cause after Washington Department of Natural Resources announced a plan to close several areas that are frequently used by these groups.
The budget deficit in Washington state has led many departments to propose drastic cuts to services and access. At this time, much of the information available is speculation because the State’s bill status report has little information about the Department of Natural Resources plans. They are faced with cutting $5 million from a $9 million budget.
Mount Tahoma Trails Association oversees popular trails for cross-country skiers and snowshoers on DNR land west of Mt. Rainier National Park. This is one of the areas in discussions to close. Many of the trails that are on DNR land were built entirely by volunteers. In a recent statement Doug McClelland, the Department’s South Puget Sound assistant region manager, says that the DNR “has made no decision to close specific recreation areas.” This has not quieted worries by the local organizations, though retired DNR veteran Bob Brown told the media that the DNR would not reduce their budget much by closing the areas because they are almost self-sustaining. The only costs to them are outhouse management and minimum security.
Mount Tahoma Trails Association pumps a lot of money into the area being discussed to provide access for cross-country skiers and snowshoers by grooming trails and maintaining overnight huts. Last year, over 2.800 people stayed at least one night in one of the huts maintained by the group.
Washington Trails Association has taken up the cause of the proposed $10 per day or $40 per year usage fee. Though they do not oppose the fee, they seek to align it more with similar day-use fees. A Northwest Forest Pass, used in both Oregon and Washington on all National Forest lands costs $5 per day or $30 per year and Olympic and Rainier National Parks have a seven-day pass for $15 or a annual pass for $30. This makes the proposed DNR pass, which would only be applicable in Washington significantly more expensive than similar passes. The WTA has organized a Hiker Lobby Day in Olympia on February 9. Find more information about the event on their website.
Read more about the issue in the Kitsap Sun.
