Oregon Parks Invites Coments

Got this in email sunday nite, decided it needs to be shared;


 Public comment opens on state park fee increase
State park fees support park daily operations and have been flat for 13 years

For the first time in 13 years, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is proposing to raise state park camping and day-use fees. Public comment on the proposal is open starting today through September 23.

In 1996, state park visitors provided nearly three-quarters of the funds needed to keep state park campgrounds and day-use areas operating. As costs have increased, the visitor’s share has slipped year after year, and recreational vehicle registrations and the Oregon Lottery have filled in the gap. Today, visitors account for slightly more than half of the funds needed to operate state parks.

To bring state park rates back closer to the market and fund ongoing park operations, the Department is proposing raising the day-use fee from $3 to $5 a day per vehicle, and camping by $4 a night per site (from $16-20 to $20-24). Other accommodations would also increase [editors -- see attached FAQ for more detail]. Comparable private and public campsites outside the state park system fetch $30 or more. Under the new rules, the 12-month and 24-month day-use passes would be transferrable to different vehicles for the first time. In the past, visitors needed to purchase a separate pass for each of their vehicles.

“The state park visitor is the heart and soul of the state park system,” says Tim Wood, Director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. “Visitor revenue is invested right back into the park system to provide quality camping, trails and fun nature and history programs.”

Oregon’s state parks attract 2.3 million campers and 42 million day visitors every year, consistently ranking in the nation’s top 10 state park systems.

“We work hard to operate efficiently and keep our costs down,” says John Potter, Assistant Director for Operations. “State parks remain one of the most affordable, quality ways to enjoy an outdoors vacation close to home.”

Public comment on the proposed change must be received no later than 5 p.m., September 23, and can be made in four ways

    * Attend a public hearing.
          o Sept. 17: LaGrande, City Library, 2006 4th St, Colleen F. Johnson Community Room, 6-8:30 p.m.
          o Sept 18: Bend, Parks and Recreation District Meeting Room, 799 SW Columbia Street, 6-8:30 p.m.
          o Sept. 21: Champoeg State Heritage Area Visitor Ctr, 8239 Champoeg Road NE, St. Paul, 6-8:30 p.m.
          o Sept. 22: Newport, Central Lincoln Public Utility, 2129 N Coast Hwy, 6-8:30 p.m.

    * Email: res.nw@state.or.us

    * In writing:
            OPRD
            ATTN: Park Rates
            725 Summer St NE
            Salem OR 97301

A link to the complete text of the proposed rule change is online at http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/fee_increase.shtml

I see no issue with the proposed fee increases, so long as it stays in the pockets of the State Parks & Rec department, continues to keep the parks functional and not deteriorate needlessly.  But more importantly, it does not bleed over to other government operations.   

Having had the opportunity to sample a dozen or more of the state campgrounds in Oregon, I'd have to say it's money well spent.  I'm glad to know that the money isn't just going into the General Fund!

I agree. Money well spent, as long as the money stays with Park maintenance.