The Northwest Avalanche Center needs our help!

[prussik1]

The tool that many of us use before we step into the backcountry is in dire straits. Washington State Senate Bill 5596 would help keep the program alive... So If you or any of your friends or contacts would be willing to write in support it would be appreciated.

 

The bill would add a $2 surcharge to all snowmobile licenses and non motorized sno park pass purchases to fund NWAC. It would be helpful at this point for all of you to write a quick note to Senator Mary Margaret Haugen , the chair of the Transportation Committee, supporting the bill and recommending that it be moved out of committee. Her e-mail is haugen.marymargaret@leg.wa.gov . You might also write to your legislator if s/he is on the Transportation committee… http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/TRAN/membersstaff.htm and bcc Sentaor Jacobsen, the sponsor of the bill and our champion in Oly. I suggest including the following points:

 

 

 

1. It is absolutely crucial that NWAC continue to operate and be fully funded. Without it, it is impossible for people crossing the mountain passes and recreating in the mountains in winter to obtain accurate information about the avalanche hazard. The absence of NWAC information will result in more avalanche fatalities.

 

2. Senate Bill 5596 provides a permanent source of funding at an insignificant cost of $2 to those who use the NWAC information the most.

 

3. The $2 surcharge impacts all recreational user groups. Based on the annual average number of snowmobile licenses and non-mechanized Snow Park permits sold, the snowmobile community and the non-motorized users would both be contributing app. $70,000/year.

 

4. This bill is fair and provides an easy solution to a long-standing problem.

 

 

I suggest writing as a concerned winter recreator. Thanks for your help. Please take 10 minutes today and do this!

-c