Discussion of user fees for state parks gets mixed reaction

Eastern Iowans appear to be split on whether or not they support reinstating a user fee at state parks.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Roger Lande says Iowans have told him they would be willing to pay a fee to improve parks, but Governor Terry Branstad said he doesn't like the idea.

Lande raised the idea to Branstad during talks about the budget.

"This is the time of year when a lot of different funding sources or programs are tossed out there," said Joe Wilkinson of the Iowa DNR.

The last time the DNR charged a fee for state park usage was during the late 1980's.

"We're hearing from both sides on the park user fee," said Wilkinson.  "Some people would like to see it returned, others say: no you're keeping people away from the park."

Wilkinson said the DNR is interested in hearing what people think about the the potential fee.

"I would love to see more services, but I really don't want to pay anymore for them," said Randy Rotzinger of North Liberty.  "I just see users not coming out anymore, and they'll find somewhere else to go."

Rotzinger said he enjoys walking his dogs at Lake McBride State Park, but would be willing to spend more time around Coralville Lake to avoid paying a fee.

DNR funding has declined in recent years, leading to an increase in complaints about overgrown trails and tall grass.  User fees would likely be used to hire more seasonal workers to address those problems, Wilkinson said.