The Inland Empire Chapter of the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington is a member organization that provides significant volunteer effort in developing, enhancing, and maintaining multi-user recreational trails on public lands. We are staunchly opposed to general user fees for recreational use of public lands, including Federal and State parks, forests, and other properties owned by government agencies. We support traditional fees for uses of public lands that offer specific value-added services, like campgrounds. We have compiled a list of ten reasons we oppose these fees. Paying for parks is a legitimate use of taxes.
Public lands are part of the public trust.
Our taxes rightfully should pay for their care and maintenance. We don't want to pay twice. Charging fees will discourage use. Our State Parks mission is fostering outdoor recreation and education to provide enjoyment and enrichment. Fees unnecessarily force users to make recreation choices based on cost of participation.