Discover Pass now available

[Marc Martyn]

WDFW NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov/

June 20, 2011

Media contacts:
Virginia Painter, State Parks, (360) 902-8562
Bryan Flint, DNR, (360) 902-1023
Margaret Ainscough, WDFW, (360) 902-2408

Discover Pass now available

OLYMPIA-The state's new Discover Pass for vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands is available for sale at recreational license dealers and online.

The Discover Pass-providing access to 7 million acres of state park and recreation lands-will generate funding to keep those lands open following steep state budget cuts.

"We are optimistic that people will support state parks and recreation lands and buy the Discover Pass," said Don Hoch, State Parks director. "Without the pass to support State Parks, we would have been closing park gates all over the state."

Beginning July 1, the pass is required for vehicle access to recreation lands and water-access sites managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). State recreation lands include state parks, boat launches, heritage sites, wildlife and natural areas, campgrounds, trails and trailheads.

"The Discover Pass will help ensure that the beautiful recreation lands of Washington State remain open for all to enjoy," said Commissioner of Public Land Peter Goldmark. "For less than the cost to take the family out to the movies, we can keep popular places such as Mount Si, Capitol State Forest and Ahtanum State Forest open."

There are several ways to purchase the Discover Pass:

Online at www.discoverpass.wa.gov .
At nearly 600 sporting goods and other retail stores that sell recreational fishing and hunting licenses. A vendor list is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors/ or via a link from the Discover Pass website.
By telephone, toll-free at 1 (866) 320-9933.
At state parks, where staff is available.
From state Department of Licensing vehicle license agents, beginning this fall.

The annual Discover Pass fee is $30, and a one-day pass is $10. A Discover Pass purchased from a recreational license dealer, by phone or online will cost a total of $35, which includes the $30 pass fee, a 10 percent transaction fee and $2 dealer fee. A one-day Discover Pass costs a total of $11.50, which include the $10 base price, a 10 percent transaction fee and a 50-cent dealer fee.

"The Discover Pass allows state natural-resource agencies to maintain public access to millions of acres of state recreation lands," said Phil Anderson, WDFW director. "Sport fishers and hunters have traditionally supported WDFW wildlife areas and water access sites through their license fees; now all who enjoy these lands will share in their support."

The Discover Pass must be visible in the front windshield of street-legal motor vehicles on state recreation lands. Holders of certain types of fishing and hunting licenses, registered campers in state parks and certain others are not required to buy or display a Discover Pass. For details on these and other exemptions, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov .

There is a $99 penalty for failing to display the pass as required.

On the July Fourth holiday weekend-the first few days of Discover Pass implementation-public education and compliance with the new pass requirement will be emphasized, according to agency officials.

Revenue from the Discover Pass will fill budget gaps created by the loss of state General Fund support for parks and state recreation lands. Revenue from pass sales will be divided among the three state agencies that manage state recreation lands in proportion to General Fund (tax-revenue) reductions: 84 percent to State Parks; 8 percent to WDFW; and 8 percent to DNR.

The Discover Pass was approved by the 2011 Legislature (Senate Bill 5662) and signed in May by Gov. Chris Gregoire. In addition to providing a stable source of revenue, the legislation provides reciprocal authority for law enforcement staff from each agency.

For questions or more information on Discover Pass sales call 1 (866) 320-9933.

[FishingFool]

I'm confused about this. So is this the same thing as the vehicle's pass that we receive when we buy our fishing license. Except the pass is just seperated from the license, so it's called a "Discovery Pass" for anyone that buys it by itself?

[BentRod]

I'm confused about this. So is this the same thing as the vehicle's pass that we receive when we buy our fishing license. Except the pass is just seperated from the license, so it's called a "Discovery Pass" for anyone that buys it by itself?

Yes and no. (Don't see how that's confusing )

Yes, because the parking permit that you get with your fishing license will work in place of the Discovery Pass at WDFW access points (i.e. boat launches, hunting sites, etc.).

No, because the parking permit you get with your fishing license will not work in place of the Discover Pass at State Parks, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land.

Does that help clarify?
Somebody correct me if I interpreted this wrong.

[FishingFool]

I dont know what BLM and DNR lands are, so that's going to be a little confusing. State Parks isnt too hard I guess. Pretty much any large parks that has camping right?

*sigh*

[Marc Martyn]

I dont know what BLM and DNR lands are, so that's going to be a little confusing. State Parks isnt too hard I guess. Pretty much any large parks that has camping right?

*sigh*

The DNR website has a statewide map showing areas where a Discovery Pass is required. You can download the PDF map.

http://www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducati ... /Home.aspx

The BLM website has a listing of all recreational sites managed by them.

http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreat ... &activity=

I spoke with the National Forest office and they told me that if a lake or campground is located on NF land, you do not need a Discovery Pass because it is federal land. You are still required to pay the day use fees for parking in the campground. That has been in place for several years and usually is about $5.00/day. When fishing Browns Lake up by Usk, I have had to pay that fee for many years. These fees usually apply in developed campgrounds. Many years ago, the campgrounds were free but due to vandalism and people abusing the sites, the forest service was forced to start charging for camping and day use. I remember when this started in the Colville NF. One year during the winter, someone went through the campgrounds and cut off all the picnic table tops and benches and hauled them all off for firewood. It was the next year they started charging for camping. Too bad, because it used to be a weekly routine that the Rangers would supply campfire wood (split and stacked) in each one of the campsites for people to burn while camping there during the weekends. Times have sure changed....

[hewesfisher]

Times have sure changed....

Actually Marc, I think people have changed and not necessarily for the better. One thing is for sure, nothing is like it used to be. :-"

[Marc Martyn]

WDFW WEEKENDER REPORT
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov

July 2011

Contacts: (Fish) 360-902-2700
(Wildlife) 360-902-2515

July brings waves of salmon,
and new state Discover Pass

Salmon fishing kicks into high gear at this time of year, when the Washington coast, several areas of Puget Sound and many rivers around the state are open for business. Most areas of Puget Sound also open for recreational crabbing July 1, setting the stage for a great Independence Day weekend.

Also starting July 1, many anglers and others planning outdoor adventures will need to purchase a Discover Pass for vehicle access to state parks, campgrounds, boat launches and wildlife areas. The new requirement, approved this year by the state Legislature, is designed to help keep 7 million acres of state recreational lands open after steep budget cuts.

"The Discover Pass allows state natural-resource agencies to maintain public access to millions of acres of state recreation lands," said Phil Anderson, director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). "Sport fishers and hunters have traditionally supported WDFW wildlife areas and water access sites through their license fees; now all who enjoy these lands will share in their support."

A Discover Pass will generally be required for vehicle access to recreation lands and water-access sites managed by WDFW, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The fine for not displaying the pass is $99.

However, some exemptions apply to the new requirement. For example, holders of most annual fishing and hunting licenses will not be required to purchase a Discover Pass to use WDFW lands and water-access sites. Information about exemptions and other aspects of the pass is available at http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/ or by calling 1-866-320-9933.

An annual Discover Pass costs $35, when purchased from WDFW online ( https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/ ) or by phone (1-866-320-9933) or from license vendors around the state. A one-day pass is also available for $11.50.

In addition, State Parks will sell the passes July 1-3 at its Olympia headquarters and at its Burlington and East Wenatchee regional offices in preparation for the Fourth of July weekend. The passes also will be sold at state park sites where staff is available.

Meanwhile, those afield on the Fourth of July and the rest of the month are asked to be careful not to spark a wildfire. Despite the delayed arrival of summer weather, wildfire danger is growing with warmer, drier weather, especially in eastern Washington.

DNR has banned burning from July through September in forested areas of the state. That means that campfires are allowed only in approved fire pits within designated state, county, municipal or other campgrounds. The use of gas and propane self-contained stoves and barbeques is allowed. For more information, see DNR’s website at http://1.usa.gov/jpjiZO .

WDFW’s own public conduct rules for wildlife areas and water access sites prohibit discharging of fireworks at any time.

For more information about fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing available this month, see the Weekender Regional Reports posted on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/weekender/ . These reports are updated throughout the month to provide up-to-date information about recreational opportunities around the state.


This message has been sent to WDFW News Releases & Weekender .
Visit the Weekender Report Archive at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/weekender

[Amx]

Nobody has yet said if we need a pass to use the boat launch at Lake Sammamish. The pass plus $7 to launch a boat is redickuless.

[Marc Martyn]

There is going to be a great deal of confusion with this new pass. Now, in reading this from the state parks, it sounds like you have to have a DP to access WDFW launches. Go to the fish and game site and it says that you don't need the DP if you have a WDFW issued parking permit.

I can just see the judges that have to sort out all of this. They are going to be sitting on their benches, scratching their heads, and replying "Who wrote this law!?"

Here is the information as to the Launch Fees for the state parks from the Washington State Parks website:

Discover Pass

Annual pass: $30
Daily pass: $10
(Transaction and dealer fees may apply)
Beginning July 1, 2011, a Discover Pass is required to access state parks and recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Exemptions: Your purchase of the Discover Pass supports recreation on state lands. However, you do not need to purchase the pass under the following circumstances:

If you are camping or renting overnight accommodations, including vacation houses, environmental learning centers, yurts and cabins, you will not need a Discover Pass for access to the state park where you are staying, for the duration of your stay. If you visit other state parks in the area or other state recreation lands managed by WDFW or DNR, a Discover Pass will be required.
Disabled veterans and other State Parks pass holders registered through State Parks do not need to purchase a Discover Pass for access to Washington state parks. You will need to purchase the Discover Pass for access to lands managed by WDFW and DNR.
State Parks boat launch sites. You will not need a Discover Pass to launch your boat from a State Parks boat launch if you have the appropriate permit. You will need the Discover Pass for boat launches managed by DNR and WDFW.
Sno-Park seasonal permit holders do not need a Discover Pass to use a designated Sno-Park between Nov. 1 and March 31 for winter recreation activities. The Sno-Park permit exemption does not apply to non-winter recreation activities.

For more information and other exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass website.

[Amx]

I didn't see the following on the State Parks website a few minutes ago;

State Parks boat launch sites. You will not need a Discover Pass to launch your boat from a State Parks boat launch if you have the appropriate permit

And just what is the 'appropriate pass'? Would that be the $70 year long pass you can buy at the park headquarters, or on line? So $70 for that pass, or $30 for this new thing. Hummmm

[Marc Martyn]

Call the state parks and clarify this. When you know the answer, post it here for all to read and understand.

[wolverine]

I just bought the Discovery pass as I use the state Parks for water access a LOT. It's $35 by the time all the fees are added in. I'm not going to lose any sleep over another pay for services user fee. This $ is dedicated to the parks. It won't disappear into the "General Fund" black hole. The legislature cut the parks budget to the point that either an alternate source of funding came into play or most parks would have been closed and the park employees eliminated.
It all comes down to "If you want to play; you have to pay".

[Amx]

Call the state parks and clarify this. When you know the answer, post it here for all to read and understand.

I did think about that last night. But was too late to do so. 7:23 am now, time to call.

[Amx]

Of course nobody is there.

[Amx]

Person was just now there; (I had to call back as I forgot to leave my phone number for them to call me back. lol )

picnic area will have a booth as you enter, sooner or later will charge daily fee.

to use the boat launch you have to have the $10 daily discover pass AND pay $7 launch fee, or $30 yearly discover pass AND pay the $7 launch fee. SO, that means a minumim of $17 to launch your boat on a daily basis, or $30 pass plus $7 each time you launch your boat.

OR pay the $70 for the year long Parks Dept. pass and no need for the discover pass at $30 or $10 fee, and no need to pay $7 each time you launch the boat.

['OL GREY DOG]

it's soooo cornfuse'n...so after i go pay aaaanother $30 buck$ ...i can throw away the thing on my dash that i got with my fish'n license ???


and on another note....is DNR going to open up all the areas they have closed to punish all for a few arsewholes now that i'm pay'n for said access ???

[Marc Martyn]

it's soooo cornfuse'n...so after i go pay aaaanother $30 buck$ ...i can throw away the thing on my dash that i got with my fish'n license ???


and on another note....is DNR going to open up all the areas they have closed to punish all for a few arsewholes now that i'm pay'n for said access ???

Unlikely that they will open up these areas with getting only 8% of the fees received from the purchases of the Discovery Pass. That isn't going to make much of a difference.

It will be interesting to see the results in a year or so after this goes into action. I think that the attendance in the parks will drop off and they will end up getting less revenue in the long run.

In my case, I won't be buying one. It would only be good for Starvation Lake up by Colville, Coffeepot Lake and the The Little Spokane River. With gas prices so high, driving to those lakes costs too much. The Little Spokane has too many squaw fish in it to make it worth the time.

I do feel for the people on the west side. There are many more areas where it is needed than over here. Time will tell how well this DP is accepted.

[Gringo Pescador]

I am just going to be displaying my WDFW pass I got with my license. If I get ticketed, I will contest it, print out all the confusing regs & rules and state I thought the WDFW pass was ok.
Next year I will buy the DP as I am sure they will not be giving out the pass with the fishing license any longer.
It may not be the best plan, but I'm a bit of a gambler:-"

[hewesfisher]

I received this from the WDFW email notification system yesterday

"Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091

Attention fishers, hunters, wildlife viewers and other outdoor recreationists:

Beginning July 1, 2011 Washington's new "Discover Pass" is required for vehicle entry to nearly 7 million acres of lands managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, (Parks) and Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Those who purchase most kinds of fishing or hunting licenses continue to have free access to WDFW lands, but the Discover Pass is required for access to state parks and DNR lands. For other exemptions, see http://discoverpass.wa.gov/exemptions/ .

The annual pass costs $35, including transaction and dealer fees, or $11.50 for a daily pass. It can be purchased online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/ , in person from any of nearly 600 recreational license vendors where state fishing and hunting licenses are sold, (for vendors by county, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors/ ) , by phone (866) 320-9933, or at State Parks headquarters and region offices, and at state parks when staff is available.

This new pass is necessary because state budget dollars are no longer available to cover the costs to keep these lands open. If you have questions about the Discover Pass, please call (866)320-9933, or e-mail Licensing@dfw.wa.gov or see http://discoverpass.wa.gov/ .

Thank you for supporting Washington state recreation lands."

Please note paragraph 2, highlighted sentence. For all WDFW lands and launches, no additional permits are required. If you use DNR or State Park lands, a Discover Pass will be required for access/use.

[rjn cajun]

Did I miss it above or does anyone have a link that shows all of the parks/land that I will need a pass to enter? I know I don`t need one on my local lakes and rarely go to state parks. Just wondering more about where I hunt as I think it`s DNR land.