2009 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

Hikers walk the Hill at Lobby Day 2009

This session, the Washington State Legislature grappled with the repercussions of a $9 billion hole in the state budget.  Early impacts to our public lands and hiking opportunities emerged with the possible closure of 13 State Parks.  As the budget hole deepened with a new revenue forecast in March, the list of state parks to be closed grew to as many as 40.  But due to the work that WTA and others put into developing new revenue sources and the temporary transfer of dedicated funds, it is unlikely that State Parks will have to be closed this year.

The legislature passed House Bill 2339, which adds a $5 to license tab renewals, giving people the chance to opt out of the fee at the point of renewal.  Advocates for this legislation expect the program to bring in $23 million between 2009 and 2011.  Additionally, funds from the NOVA and Boating Facilities Programs have been used to keep State Parks afloat this year.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fared reasonably well, comparted to many other agencies.  We saw a small cut in gains that we've made on Natural Resource Conservation Areas Recreation funding, but it is not as serious as it could have been--about $100,000.  Since DNR relied on NOVA Grants, they'll have to think hard about how to conduct trail maintenance in the coming biennium.  But we expect that, with increased committment from volunteers, they'll be able to keep trails open.

Our Safer Trails legislation, SB 5559, did not fare as well this year.  The Natural Resources, Oceans and Recreation Committee in the Senate could not agree on an approach to the legislation, so it did not make it out of that Committee.  We will be exploring our options next session and, in the interim, working with the Forest Service, DNR and Fish and Wildlife on the dangers posed by the proliferation of target shooting on state and federal lands.

Thanks to everyone who came to Hiker Lobby Day this year--your presence really made a difference.  And to everyone who took the time to write, call or email their legislators, well done!  We'll keep you posted, as we'll need your help in upcoming sessions.

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