Committee weighs access, nonmotorized trail fees and state‑lands recreational permits

Dave Glenn, director of State Parks and Cultural Resources, and Chris Floyd, deputy director, told the committee there is strong public demand for nonmotorized trails but limited funding. "We get more requests for non motorized trails than for anything else," Floyd said, noting federal Recreational Trails Program dollars amount to roughly $400,000 a year for the whole state.

Glenn framed options for the committee: adjusting fee structures, a sliding‑scale admission or nonresident fee for museums, and a user‑sticker model for trail funding. "If you want more trails? Put a sticker on your bike and we'll build more trails and maintain more trails," Glenn said, describing the principle of user contributions tied to maintenance.

Representative John Larson (speaker identified in transcript as Representative Larson) described local state‑land leases in his district and suggested a coordinated recreational permit with the Office of State Lands to open access while protecting lessee agreements and the resource. Director Glenn said any product-development or state‑lands pilot should include feasibility studies and close coordination with state lands.

The committee discussed previous attempts to create a broad statewide trail fee and recommended a phased approach: target high‑use parks and pilot sticker or permit programs in specific areas, then expand if feasible. Members emphasized the need to engage user groups — mountain bikers, equestrians, snowmobilers — and to clearly define who pays and which projects the funds support.