SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6031

As of February 22, 2001

Title:  An act relating to a conservation pass.

Brief Description:  Reviewing the feasibility of a state conservation pass.

Sponsors:  Senators Jacobsen, Spanel, Regala, Kohl‑Welles and Fairley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines:  2/26/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & SHORELINES

Staff:  David Johnson (786‑7754)

Background:  Public demand for park and recreation lands and fish and wildlife resources continues to increase.  At the same time, adequate funding for public access to these resources continues to be troubling.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife currently administers an improved facility access permit program.  The Parks and Recreation Commission is considering implementing some form of day use fees.  It is hoped that a single statewide pass would be convenient and beneficial.

Summary of Bill:  The Parks and Recreation Commission, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Revenue are to form a work group to explore the feasibility of creating a single ?conservation pass@ to allow access and to financially support their programs.  The pass may also provide opportunities for nonprofit groups to participate in their sale and may provide new revenue for new watchable wildlife programs on state park land.  The work group must include interested stakeholder groups and represent a broad spectrum of outdoor recreation views and interests.

The work group is to report to the Legislature by January 7, 2002.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.