Friends of WI State Parks (FWSP) is a 501c3 organization that represents WI residents that use parks and trails. There are approximately 80 Friends Groups that support various state parks, trails, and forest properties. These local Friends Groups provide thousands of volunteer hours and have delivered approximately $100M dollars to help support the mission
and activities of the Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas.
GRP funding of $4.5M was stripped from state parks in the 2015 budget and FWSP is leading an effort to resume this. WI is likely the only state park system that is trying to soley rely on user fees to fund parks. The self-funding experiment has not worked.
The loss of GPR revenue is causing the gradual deterioration of state park infrastructure and operations. The citizens of WI, as owners of this important resource, are obligated to maintain and invest in parks for current and future generations. The citizens of Wisconsin have a significant investment in State Parks. And 50% of WI residents use parks, trails and recreation areas according to the Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
FWSP believes there is an opportunity to have a blended funding solution that ensures the future of our state parks and doesn’t price out families or low income wage earners by continuing to emphasize fee increases.
Parks and trails have a long term heritage of connecting youth and families to Wisconsin’s natural resources. Restoring GPR revenue is the cornerstone of park funding. Without this funding, State Parks and Trails will no longer be the conduit to our state’s great natural resources.
According to WI Gateway Study, parks and trails have a $1B annual impact on the communities that are nearby parkshttp://fyi.uwex.edu/news/2014/02/19/study-wisconsin-state-park-system-provides-key-economic-cultural-benefits/ Tourism is a key economic driver to Wisconsin’s economy.
Many legislators are now engaged on resumption of GPR revenue for state park funding. FWSP represents parks and trail users. We urge you to restore GPR revenue and spending authority of the Park’s segregated fund as part of the budget process.
Michael McFadzen
FWSP, Chairman Public Policy
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