Saturday, January 30, 2010

Rally to save state parks

House Bill 2628 and House Concurrant Resolution 2040 both call for a fee to be added to every non-commercial Arizona vehicle to be used for funding the state parks. They vary slightly in how that would be done and the amount of the fee. Both admit vehicles with Arizona license plates for free day use to all state parks. This seems to be a good way to not only fund the parks but to increase usage, and therefore appreciation, for state parks.

However, one thing concerns me, as it should all RV snowbirds. What do they intend to charge us "outsiders" for admission? Will this become a situation of appeasing and pleasing Arizona voters at the expense of out-of-state visitors? Will parks begin charging snowbirds a day use fee in addition to a camping fee as is done in some other states?

Though I think the base plan is good, I wonder who is looking out for RV snowbirds. If you want to make your voice heard, join the Arizona State Parks Foundation and plan on attending the rally at the Arizona State Capitol on Monday, February 1st at 10:30 a.m.

Bill Meek, President of Arizona State Parks Foundation will be among the featured speakers. Following the program, attendees will be encouraged to move to the House Floor Gallery for the 1:00 p.m. session opening. Afternoon hearings are scheduled to be conducted by the House and Senate Natural Resources Committees which represent the interests of Arizona State Parks to the full House and Senate.

Visit the Arizona State Parks Foundation Web site for more details.

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