It is good that this discussion is on Tweeters. I hope that the BC groups
also post and discuss it. It is true that information for trip planning is
often sorely lacking, especially in this area. Discussions such as this can
enable folks from up north to better plan their trip and acquire the
necessary parking permits prior to their departure.

Every site that I have ever seen that is administered by the WDFW requiring
a fee is signed as such.

Every state park in Washington requires a fee. The state park decal can be
purchased for a year for $50.00 (I believe there is a senior discount of
some kind, but I am not a senior) via the internet. This entitles the holder
to unlimited parking (not camping) for the entire year in all state parks.

Presently there is already a requirement for parking at the above mentioned
WDFW sites. This is not a new thing, only an increase in the fee and a
commitment to enforce. The new system may expand the requirement to other
WDFW sites. I assume they will be signed as well. I could be wrong about
that, but this is normal for sites requiring fees. At the present time you
can access the WDFW site and purchase a permit on line. I believe the
address is www.wdfw.wa.gov . I am not sure if this is for the decal, but I
hope that the purchase of this decal will be possible over the internet.
That way you will not even have to leave your home to purchase your decal.

As far as being extortive? Well, someone has to pay for the roads, parking
lots, fences, trails, bathrooms, etc. If I use them I am willing to pay. For
those that choose not to use them they can save $30.00.

-----Original Message-----
From: Arthur Berman [mailto:aberman at telus.net]
Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 4:16 PM
To: dschone8 at donobi.net
Cc: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: Santa Claus out the window


One factor not covered is that someone passing through (like say, from
BC) has to have a convenient way to purchase these extortive decals, I
have no idea which areas are covered by them or not. When I lived in
New England one reason I went to Nova Scotia each year and skipped Maine
is that every state park had an entry fee and as I drove up the coast I
did not want to pay what was designed as a day fee to just check out the
birds quickly and move on.

Arthur Berman
North Vancouver, BC