OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announce changes in requirements to visiting winter recreation areas in Washington state. The changes affect whether a Sno-Park permit or a Discover Pass will be required to access state-managed winter recreation areas and Sno-Parks.

OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Tuesday approved a budget reduction approach to close a revenue gap of approximately $11 million in the current biennium, while keeping state parks open.

Denver, CO – Forty-four campgrounds, RV parks and resorts earned all around “A” grades in the fourth annual consumer satisfaction survey of campgrounds, RV parks and resorts.

Jackson Center, Ohio – Airstream, the most recognized RV manufacturer in North America, today announced  significant order input  at the RVIA 2011 National Expo in Louisville, KY, for both travel trailers and motorhomes.  These numbers reflect strong continuing growth for the iconic company, which more than doubled its sales at this important event when compared with last year.

DENVER, CO – Looking for a gift for family, friends or co-workers who love the outdoors? A Colorado State Parks Annual Pass is a gift of outdoor cheer that lasts all year and doesn’t require a shopping trip. The passes are available online at http://www.parks.state.co.us/Holiday/Pages/Holiday.aspx. The annual passes provide free access for everyone in the vehicle to all 42 state parks throughout 2012.

CARSON CITY, Nev. — The Nevada Commission on Tourism (NCOT) on Nov. 29 funded $492,771 in projects to promote tourism in rural Nevada, including several that utilize modern technology to reach new audiences. In this grant cycle, NCOT funded an ingenious smart phone application, a website project aimed at attracting geocachers and training to promote tourism to Nevada’s Indian tribes, among many other projects.

December is "stocking stuffer" month at Oregon State Parks. From December 1 through December 31, parkgoers can save $5 on the state park 12-month day-use parking permit.

The state park permit, which is required at 26 Oregon state parks, is on sale for $25 - regularly $30 - in December.

OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has outlined a bold strategy to transform its operating model and be prepared for a budget gap as high as $30 million.

Historically, Washington State Parks has received 75 percent of its operating support from general fund tax dollars. In the current biennium, State Parks received $17 million general fund tax dollars as a one-time “bridge” off of the general fund. To replace lost tax dollars, the Legislature implemented the Discover Pass, a parking fee to access all state-managed recreation lands. Like any new program, the Discover Pass needs improvements and refinements to build public awareness, acceptance and participation.

ATV and off-road motorcycle riders under the age of 16 will be required to take a hands-on safety course to ride on public lands in Oregon, starting January 1. The new requirement is in addition to a free online safety awareness course that is being phased in as a requirement for riders of all ages by 2014. Information on hands-on training can be found at rideATVoregon.org/training or by calling (877) 772-3359.