User fees for state parks a reasonable approach

ON a clear, sunny summer day, you pack the kids into the car and head for that state park on Puget Sound you have frequented for years. A flood of childhood memories washes over you. Upon arrival, the gate is padlocked — closed.

Such scenes will become common unless the Legislature finds new ways to pay for more than 100 state parks. It sounds like government as punishment, but well-kept parks are not a crucial function of state government.

Gov. Chris Gregoire's 2011-13 general-fund contribution, therefore, gives parks $20 million, compared with $41 million in the 2009-11 biennium. For 2013-15, the governor no longer intends to provide predictable general-fund dollars to parks.

Along comes state Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Island, with a plan to create a $30 annual pass and $10 day-use permit for recreation areas managed by Fish & Wildlife, Natural Resources and Parks and Recreation. A hearing will be held Wednesday.

Most revenue would go to parks, but some would be available to lands managed by Fish & Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources.

This is tricky. People will be sensitive to charges for privileges that were once free. But smaller government means more user fees. The Legislature should approve the plan.

Ranker appropriately calls his legislation a work in progress; some adjustments should be made for people who pay license and other costs for hunting and fishing.

But as deals go, $30 per year — with residents opting in at vehicle license renewal time — is reasonable. Washington has some of the nation's most stunning parklands.

State parks attract about 43 million visits per year, many of them from out of state.

Ranker first wanted to charge $40 a year for the pass but that is too expensive. Parks have been collecting less than anticipated on a $5 opt-out charge, which vanishes upon approval of this program.

New fees will be unpopular. But leaner government requires that residents and visitors pay a little extra to preserve state services they like but do not have to have.