County examines Heritage Trails usage decline and considers targeted fee options to support mountain‑bike trail maintenance

Washington County budget and parks staff told the committee July 17 that Heritage Trails usage and revenue are tracking below 2024 levels year to date and that the county is exploring targeted fee strategies to support construction and maintenance of mountain‑bike trails. Budget staff said overall park revenues and daily exits recorded by cameras are down for 2025 compared with 2024; staff said one consequence is that park enterprise projections for 2026 will need adjustment. Staff discussed options that could generate specific revenue for Heritage Trails — for example, raising daily fees at Heritage Trails or creating a separate mountain‑bike pass for daily or annual users — and cautioned that changes should be considered with Metro Mountain Bikers because the local volunteer group builds and maintains trails and may be affected. Committee members suggested alternatives including a higher daily fee for out‑of‑state plates or carving out Heritage Trails revenue to be dedicated to trail maintenance rather than to general park funds; staff said administrative and enforcement logistics (camera plate recognition, pass management) and equity concerns (raising rates for park users who are not mountain bikers) would need further study. Staff said they will continue to analyze camera-based exit data, out‑of‑state plate counts, and revenue models and will seek Metro Mountain Bikers’ input before making any recommendation for 2026 budget planning. No fee or policy change was adopted; staff will return with additional data and options during the budget process.