Guest Column: Funding for Moran State Park Still Uncertain

By Michel Vekved, President, Friends of Moran State Park

Funding of state parks is still uncertain. State Legislators need to hear from the citizens of Washington.

Remember when we all spoke up in June? Well it’s time to DO IT AGAIN!

State Parks is asking for 27.3 million dollars from the general fund. That 27.3 million would be just enough to help our state parks survive.

[On Feb. 12] there was a hearing for Senate Bill 5657. The bill proposes that the general fund match Discover Pass funds for the state park budget. But Parks won’t have a chance of getting that funding if our legislators don’t hear from our citizens that support state parks.

Legislators have heard from state park staff and from the state park commissioners but they have not from the citizens. They must hear loud and clear from the communities that rely upon state parks, like Orcas Island; the citizens that use state parks, like campers, hikers, fisherman; and the groups that recreate in our parks like cyclists, kayakers and horseback riders. They need to hear from the families that vacation and celebrate in state parks, and from the couples who escape city dwellings to connect with nature in state parks, and from children who are the future state park stewards.

State parks are important to the quality of life in Washington State. State parks support the local economy. Legislators need to hear that we value our state parks and want them funded with general funds. Now is the time to speak up. Please take the time to take action and voice your support.

You can see the hearing here: Senate Bill 5657. tvw.org/tvwplayer&eventID=2013021107

You can contact your legislators here: at https://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder

Go to www.leg.wa.gov select “bill info” on the left menu, then type in bill 5657 That will bring up the bill cover sheet. Then there is a new box in the center where you can send a message to the committee.

“Our thanks to Jim King, Coordinator for Citizen for Park and Recreation.  He tirelessly continues to keep the public informed and remain active in the legislative process in the interest of state parks.”