Starting today (7/1), $15 permit required for VA State Forest riding

[Liberty]

For those of you who ride in the 19 VA State Forests, the VA Dept. of Forestry is now requiring an annual $15 permit.

Here’s the scoop (bold emphasis added by me):

"Recreational Activities in Virginia’s State Forests Will Require A State Forest Use Permit

The State Forest Use Permit is required for anyone 16 years and older who hunts, fishes, traps, rides mountain bikes or horses in one of Virginia’s 19 State Forests. Anyone walking, hiking or canoeing will not need the Use Permit. This law goes into effect Wednesday, July 1st.

The new Use Permit replaces the state forest license that used to be required of those hunting or trapping on the state forests. Obtaining a Use Permit is a new requirement for those who fish or ride horses or mountain bikes in the state forests. The State Forest Use Permit is valid for all five activities. This State Forest Use Permit does not apply to our national forests, national parks, state parks or state-managed wildlife management areas.

The Use Permit, which costs $15 annually, is good for one year following its purchase. All funds generated by the Use Permit will go toward enhancing recreational opportunities on the State Forests."

Link to the full announcement on the VDOF website:
http://www.dof.virginia.gov/index.shtml

[CatOnLap]

it doesn’t sound like a lot to help maintain the trails, but then, why are hikers, canoists, etc exempt? I’d probably lobby for ALL users to pay the permit- I mean, we all use the potties and roads in, right? And I’d probably get my state horse council to ask for an audit report on the use of the funds annually, under the Freedom Of Info legislation, to make sure the money is going to the use stated.

[Liberty]

[QUOTE=CatOnLap;4201462]
it doesn’t sound like a lot to help maintain the trails, but then, why are hikers, canoists, etc exempt? I’d probably lobby for ALL users to pay the permit- I mean, we all use the potties and roads in, right? And I’d probably get my state horse council to ask for an audit report on the use of the funds annually, under the Freedom Of Info legislation, to make sure the money is going to the use stated.[/QUOTE]

100% agree.

[ride2endure]

Thanks for posting this, Liberty.

I was riding at the local State Forest last Sunday when the ranger stopped by to inform my husband (who was waiting at the trailer). It was the first I had heard; and I ride there almost weekly.

Small price to pay, really! But I agree, everyone who uses the forest should need a permit - just to be fair.

[lawndart]

I wish PA would do this

I would gladly pay a small fee to help keep up the trails, trailheads and roads. I think most people would. If you are a resident of the State, you should be able to get a family price, and pay an individual price lower then ‘out of staters’ since we already support the park thru taxes.

Instead, our Gov. Rendell is closing a bunch of the State Parks because of the budget crisis. I worry that he will sell them to one of his cronies when we are not looking. PA has great horse trails.