Stay of Execution for Three North Olympic Peninsula Parks?

The legislature has passed that “opting out” bill which is supposed to save Old Fort Townsend State Park, Fort Flagler State Park, and Bogachiel State Park. Governor Gregoire hasn’t signed it yet. It will take effect in September, assuming she’ll sign it.

This is expected to raise about $20 million.

Opting out means that vehicle license fees will automatically include an extra $5 charge for park maintenance, UNLESS the vehicle owner checks the No box.

I have mixed feelings about this bill, but in any case I don’t think it will bring in anywhere near the $20 million they’re projecting. By now, people are reading things a lot more carefully, whether it’s a huge contract or a simple form.

With so many businesses — cell phone carriers, credit card firms, you name it — relying on fees and penalties buried in the fine print, the public is more wary and less likely to get taken.

Three Peninsula Parks Now on Chopping Block

In addition to Old Fort Townsend and Bogachiel, now Fort Flagler might be getting the axe too.

Today’s online PDN survey asks: “Which of these North Olympic Peninsula state parks on the chopping block should be kept open?”

With 535 votes cast, the responses are:

All of the above — 42.6%
Fort Flagler — 26.2%
None of the above — 16.6%
Bogachiel — 10.1%
Old Fort Townsend — 4.5%