FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2705

                                   C 49 L 90

BYRepresentatives Ballard, Dellwo, Beck, Silver and McLean; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission

Changing provisions relating to winter recreation functions of the state parks and recreation commission.

House Committe on Natural Resources & Parks

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The Winter Recreation Advisory Committee was created in 1975. Twelve individuals serve on the committee; six representatives of the non-snowmobiling winter recreation public, three representatives of the snowmobiling public; and one representative from the Department of Natural Resources,  Department of Wildlife and the Washington State Association of Counties.  The members of this committee serve as advisors to help the Parks and Recreation Commission to develop policies and procedures for their winter recreation program.  The committee is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 1991.

The Parks and Recreation Commission is responsible for administering the snow removal operations for designated winter recreational parking areas.  Currently, the only parking permit issued by the commission is a one year annual parking permit.  An inequity exists because program services at some sno-parks, exceed the services at other sno-parks.  Therefore, some winter recreationists are paying for fewer services than those enjoying a sno-park with more amenities.  Also, the Parks and Recreation Commission has had requests for daily, weekly, or monthly permits, rather than a single seasonal permit.  The commission would like to rectify the inequity that exists because only one permit is issued for all sno-parks, regardless of the services provided.  Additionally, the commission would like to issue permits that serve the needs of both the frequent and occasional user of winter recreational parking areas.

SUMMARY:

The Winter Recreation Advisory Committee and its powers and duties shall continue to exist until June 30, 2001.

The Parks and Recreation Commission may issue several types of snow parking permits.  The duration of each permit will be established by the Parks and Recreation Commission.  The fee for the various permits will also be determined by the commission.

Registered snowmobilers are not required to pay a fee for an annual winter recreational area parking permit.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 95   0

      Senate    46     0

EFFECTIVE:June 7, 1990

            March 14, 1990 (Section 3)