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In the 10 days since Representative Regula's Recreation Access Tax was sneaked onto the Omnibus Appropriations bill, dozens of articles and editorials have been published. All but one, have been critical of the new tax and the underhanded way in which such unpopular legislation was rammed through. Links to these articles are provided here and I encourage you to see what the press has been reporting.
Even more interesting is what elected officials are saying. Senators and House members are livid at the arrogance of Mr. Regula. Many are speaking of revising the RAT when congress reconvenes. We should be encouraging and supporting such efforts.
Technically speaking, the RAT has not yet passed. The House will vote on the Omnibus Bill on Monday, December 6th. There is still an opportunity to rid that bill of the RAT.
One way or another, we will expunge Regula's vermin. Doing so will require actions that further increase the visibility for this already contentious issue. Contacting Senators as suggested in the above-referenced alert will help. Having letters to the editor published will help even more as such letters have the added benefit of educating your community about the shenanigans that have taken place in Washington DC.
Whatever you do, remember the RAT was slipped onto the Omnibus bill by people who knew that the program lacked adequate support to be passed into law by normal legislative procedures. Remember that the RAT didn't just crawl onto the Omnibus bill. People with names and reputations put it there. I'd like to say to everyone who resents the underhanded dealing that gave us the RAT.... "Don't get mad : Get even." Ruin some reputations. Undercut some power. Do what it takes to ensure that these people do no further injustice to you and yours in the coming year.
Scott
P.S. What follows appeared in today's press as a front page article. It lays blame were blame is deserved and helps to ruin reputations, undercut power and bust balls.
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Rider on House bill could make recreation fees permanent
New 10-year public lands access fee program includes high fines and possible jail time for violators
By Patrick Hannigan
Feel like taking the kids out for a hike? Starting in 2005, you'd
better have your new "America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal
Recreation Lands Pass," or a day strolling the public lands surrounding
the Methow Valley could cost you $5,000 and six months in jail.
Buried in the 3,000-page appropriations bill currently being considered
by Congress is a new version of the National Recreation Fee
Demonstration Program, which established the fee commonly called "the
Forest Pass" in 1996. While the new fee program has not yet become law,
passage of the measure appears likely. The bill is attached to the $388
billion appropriations measure that provides funding for much of the
U.S. government.
The new bill, which would replace Fee Demonstration Program, is called
the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. It would dramatically
increase the penalties for non-compliance, extend the fee program for
10 years, and expand the program to include federal lands managed by
the Bureau of Reclamation as well as the Forest Service, National Park
Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Passage of the appropriations bill-which includes the new fee
program-was delayed after the discovery of a controversial clause that
would have allowed members of Congress to peruse individual tax
returns. The Senate has already approved a new version of the spending
bill, which drops the unpopular tax clause, but retains the language
establishing the new federal lands fee program. The House is scheduled
to vote on it Dec. 6.
The new Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act could have significant
implications for local recreationalists. Currently there are at least
25 trailheads in the Methow Valley Ranger District where a pass is
required, according to district ranger John Newcom.
"In the past, we've written quite a few warnings, but not too many
citations," said Newcom. "In the future, the balance between warnings
and tickets will probably start shifting towards tickets."
If the new fee program passes next week, those found parking at
trailheads without an "America the Beautiful" pass could face criminal
penalties including six months in jail and a $5,000 fine. Presently,
the standard fine for not displaying a forest pass is $50.
"We are well aware the current fee program is not very popular with
everyone," said Newcom. "We hope that people understand that the money
to support our recreation facilities has to come from some place."
Rep. Ralph Regula, a Republican congressman from Ohio, instituted the
first Fee Demonstration Program back in 1996. Since his proposal for
the new permanent fee program was introduced in 2003, it has
languished, drawing only seven co-sponsors-all from east of Colorado.
Regula's district has no public lands that would be affected by the new
fee program.
Recently he added the new fee program to the huge government
appropriations package. Legislators frequently attach unpopular
"riders" to big appropriations bills. The Federal Lands Recreation
Enhancement Act has never been debated by the Senate or had a public
hearing.
"Fee Demo is even more intensely unpopular now than it was when it was
originally implemented," noted a press release by the Western Slope
No-Fee Coalition, based in Colorado. "This bill would be unlikely to
pass on its own merits. To tack it on as an appropriations rider is an
abuse of legislative power."
Strongest support for the bill has come from the American Recreation
Coalition (ARC), a group that includes executives from corporations
such as Disney, Kampgrounds of America and various RV and boat
manufacturers.
"Fees will remain only one part of caring for our legacy of public
lands," said ARC president Derrick Crandall. "The fees authorized under
this measure will not block access to public lands by anyone,
regardless of their financial situation."
According to Crandall, the new fee program "is a good framework for improved recreation experiences on America's public lands."
Isabelle Spohn of Twisp disagrees. She, along with partner Richard
Tinglestad, founded "Free The Forests," a local group opposed to
charging general access fees for undeveloped public lands.
"This hits rural areas really hard, especially those surrounded by
public lands like the Methow Valley," said Spohn. "For many families, a
day in the woods is the only kind of affordable entertainment around
here."
According to Spohn, estimates for the cost of the new pass range from $85 to $100 a year.
"Currently there's a lot of non-compliance with the forest fees," said
Spohn. In reference to the stricter penalties contained in the new
bill, she added "I think they feel they need a heavy hammer to keep
people in line."
Spohn said that given enough public outcry, the House of
Representatives could still remove the fee program from the
appropriations bill before it goes to a vote Dec. 6 and becomes law.
Those unable or unwilling to buy an "America the Beautiful National
Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass," could still freely utilize
posted public lands one day per year. Language in the bill allows land
managers designate an official "Fee Free Day."
For more information:
www.wildwilderness.org, www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/feedemo/,
or www.theorator.com/bills108/hr3283.html
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