Post by hootie on Jan 22, 2009 14:43:17 GMT -8
Didyou know that DNR has pretty limited funds? For all they have to do and for all they are responsible for... their funding is always a problem. They get a small amount of funds from gas tax and OHV tags. Much of what they get they have to compete for by applying for grants. For them to commit to doing things with these changing funds, it becomes a real problem. They never know if they will get the grant money next year to fund projects or maintain projects for the next years. Sustainable funding is needed so they can commit money and time toward projects like the Yacolt Burn Trail Project and other recreation projects.
I was invited to listen in on a Funding Task Force Meeting by phone this morning. The following is a letter I wrote to the DNR following that meeting. feel free to comment on my thoughts or add your own thoughts to this thread.
The letter....
"Subject: Work Group for Funding Issues, Comment
Mark,, and DNR task force members.
Thanks for the invitation to listen in on the funding task force meeting. I stayed on for the whole thing.
I thought the virtual meeting worked good.
Here's my thoughts regarding New Funding.
I liked a few of them a great deal.
I think a DNR specific access card would be great.. It would solve many problems with security as well. You would have a card.. or be ticketed if found on DNR land. It would be user specific This could be lumped with a Forest access card,, but I would like it to be specific to DNR . Would also help toward the comment on fixing fences during hunting season,, etc. Getting a card would be a point of education for you as well. A brochure could be attached to the card educating users about proper etiquette in the DNR.
I would also like to say keeping current taxes supporting DNR must be kept and or increased because the citizens all benefit from the DNR controlled areas even if they don't realize it. ( i.e., driving through DNR or even just breathing the fresh air. Sometimes the citizens don't even realize all the benefits they gain from DNR land.)
I strongly support giving access pass credit to volunteers who work on DNR projects. (example 16 hours would earn credit for a pass)
I would also say allowing corporate sponsorship should be allowed and encouraged. And signage for sponsors should be allowed to give the sponsor a benefit.
I liked the idea of buying property and using revenue to fund DNR. The lumber industry owns much area and many of them are having trouble or out of business. That property may be available at reasonable cost at this time.
And, I also liked the idea of being able to charge access fee's to visitors for one time use. This would be similar to the fee stations at parks.
We also support education and enforcement projects in the DNR.
Thanks again,, Keep us in the Loop. And remember,,, We are available for projects you need help with.
Dave Huttula
Piston's Wild Motorsports Club, Vancouver WA
end "
I was invited to listen in on a Funding Task Force Meeting by phone this morning. The following is a letter I wrote to the DNR following that meeting. feel free to comment on my thoughts or add your own thoughts to this thread.
The letter....
"Subject: Work Group for Funding Issues, Comment
Mark,, and DNR task force members.
Thanks for the invitation to listen in on the funding task force meeting. I stayed on for the whole thing.
I thought the virtual meeting worked good.
Here's my thoughts regarding New Funding.
I liked a few of them a great deal.
I think a DNR specific access card would be great.. It would solve many problems with security as well. You would have a card.. or be ticketed if found on DNR land. It would be user specific This could be lumped with a Forest access card,, but I would like it to be specific to DNR . Would also help toward the comment on fixing fences during hunting season,, etc. Getting a card would be a point of education for you as well. A brochure could be attached to the card educating users about proper etiquette in the DNR.
I would also like to say keeping current taxes supporting DNR must be kept and or increased because the citizens all benefit from the DNR controlled areas even if they don't realize it. ( i.e., driving through DNR or even just breathing the fresh air. Sometimes the citizens don't even realize all the benefits they gain from DNR land.)
I strongly support giving access pass credit to volunteers who work on DNR projects. (example 16 hours would earn credit for a pass)
I would also say allowing corporate sponsorship should be allowed and encouraged. And signage for sponsors should be allowed to give the sponsor a benefit.
I liked the idea of buying property and using revenue to fund DNR. The lumber industry owns much area and many of them are having trouble or out of business. That property may be available at reasonable cost at this time.
And, I also liked the idea of being able to charge access fee's to visitors for one time use. This would be similar to the fee stations at parks.
We also support education and enforcement projects in the DNR.
Thanks again,, Keep us in the Loop. And remember,,, We are available for projects you need help with.
Dave Huttula
Piston's Wild Motorsports Club, Vancouver WA
end "