-----I believe that, West Virginia has the finest state parks in the nation. One of the most important aspects of West Virginia’s fine state parks is that you do not have to pay a “users fee”just to walk upon the ground as you do in many states including many of West Virginia’s neighboring states. Because of this, West Virginians and visitors of all economic standings are able to enjoy the treasures that are our state parks. In a democracy, this free park system is vital if all Americans are to enjoy what belongs to them. Our parks are one of our few true entitlements.
-----However, every year some wealthy member of the legislature attempts to end this privilege that belongs to his neighbors by insisting that our state
parks pay for themselves. This is just another example of our elected officials being out of touch with those that they are supposed to be serving. I suppose that it is natural when you do not have to strain yourself to make ends meet to lose affinity with those who do.
-----Let me give you an example of what user fees can mean. A few years ago my daughter wanted us to spend our few days of vacation had in another state. Although it is not our practice to do so, we agreed to her wishes. Because of our financial straits, we are always going on vacation on a “shoestring” budget and we have to be very careful how we spend our money. On our way home, with just about enough money to get there, we were driving though our neighbor state Maryland when we came to a state park. We were all tired and a little cranky, so we decided to stop and stretch our legs. But, when we pulled into the parking a lot, there was a sign that said that we had to pay a certain fee just to walk upon the ground. Sadly, we turned and resumed our journey because we could not afford that fee. My grandson was crying because he had wanted to “walk in the park.”
-----If you want to protect your right to use our parks, please let your legislator know how you feel. Also, contact Governor Underwood and tell him that you want your parks to remain “free.” Your’s, or your neighbor’s, wonderful afternoon in the park may be at stake. Although West Virginia's parks go into the red everyyear, they are still the State of West Virginia's biggest bargain
NOT LET THIS TERRIBLE THING HAPPEN TO US!