To opt out or not opt out. Beginning next month, that will be the question for Washington drivers as they renew their license tabs.
If they check a box on the renewal form, they opt out of paying $5 toward operation of state parks. If they don’t opt out, they’ll automatically make the donation.
So who shouldn’t opt out?
Anyone who has ever enjoyed a walk on the beach at Kopachuck, Joemma or Tolmie State Park shouldn’t opt out.
Anyone who has ever set up camp in any of Washington’s state parks shouldn’t opt out.
Even those who have never been to one of Washington’s 125 state parks and never plan to go, but think it’s important that Washington’s families have the kind of recreational opportunities they provide, shouldn’t opt out.
If even half of those renewing their tabs agree to donate, it will raise an estimated $22 million over the next two years – and that will go a long way toward keeping parks open and operating.
That doesn’t mean parks threatened with closure – including Kopachuck, Joemma and Tolmie – are in the clear. The state park system would still be woefully underfunded, and it’s likely that efforts to transfer some state parks to local jurisdictions will continue. Local parks advocate should keep trying to find ways to take them over.
It would be ironic if the recession – which has people taking vacations closer to home – were to play a role in convincing people to pay a little extra to support their state parks.
And let’s face it: $5 is only a little extra – less than the cost of two gallons of gasoline. Anyone who can afford to drive should be willing and able to donate a measly $5 to help the state park system.
