Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission supports parking permits for state wildlife areas

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission has indicated support for an expanded parking fee program at state wildlife areas, but asked ODFW staff to make some minor adjustments to the rule language before making a final decision at its next meeting.

ODFW staff had proposed a three-year rollout of a plan to expand the parking fee currently in place at Sauvie Island to include other popular wildlife areas. The goal of the program is to increase the contribution of non-hunters toward maintaining infrastructure and enhancing wildlife habitat at the wildlife areas.

If adopted at the Jan. 7, 2011 Commission meeting in Salem, the program requiring either a $7 daily parking permit or a $22 annual permit would be phased in on the following schedule:

Jan. 1, 2012: Denman, E.E. Wilson, Ladd Marsh, Summer Lake (and continuing at Sauvie Island, where fees are already in place)
Jan. 1, 2013: Klamath, Fern Ridge, White River, Phillip W. Schneider
Jan. 1, 2014: Elkhorn, Columbia Basin, Jewell Meadows

The parking permit revenue would be used to improve habitat and infrastructure, and to enhance wildlife viewing opportunities at wildlife areas. Currently, operation and maintenance of the areas is funded by federal excise taxes on sporting arms and ammunition and hunting license fees.

A free annual parking permit would be included with any annual hunting or combination license or Sport Pac. The free parking permit would not be included with fishing licenses.