OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington will soon charge a $30 annual fee for people who visit state parks and recreational lands.
Gov. Chris Gregoire says the bill she signed Thursday helps keep state lands open while lawmakers make budget cuts. Visitors can purchase a $30 annual vehicle pass or a $10 single-day pass. Beginning in July, people who do not have a Discover Pass displayed on their vehicle at state lands face a fine of $99.
The passes will be required for access to 120 state parks and millions of acres managed by the state. That includes boat launches, campgrounds, heritage sites, wildlife areas and trails.
Visitors can purchase passes online or in retail outlets that also sell hunting and fishing licenses.
