FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: February 02, 2022
Time Requested: 02:29 PM
Agency: Natural Resources, WV Division of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
1411 Introduced SB563
CBD Subject: Natural Resources


FUND(S):

3265

Sources of Revenue:

General Fund

Legislation creates:

Creates New Program



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


This bill will offer operational impacts on the State Park System. The Park and Recreation Section currently maintains and manages over 1500 campsites in the 47 parks, forests, and rail trails. Currently, a 51% yearly occupancy rate is realized in the Park System. WV State Parks manage all land with a conservation/protection philosophy. The mission statement “To promote conservation by preserving and protecting natural areas of unique or exceptional scenic, scientific, cultural, archeological, or historical significance and to provide outdoor recreational opportunities for the citizens of this state and its visitors” remains the primary mandated focus. The costs associated with this bill would relate to personnel that would maintain the areas and the increased camping activity, which could be significant depending on the designations. Based on Park size, this could result in personnel cost increasing by 15-20% per area or $150-$200k systemwide. This bill would also stimulate a reduction in campground revenue since many of the occupied campsites would sit vacant if dispersed camping were permitted. An estimated 20% decrease in camping fees would equate to nearly a million dollars using FY21 Campground revenue figures.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2022
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2023
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 0 0
Personal Services 75,000 150,000 150,000
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues -600,000 -1,000,000 -1,000,000


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


Personnel costs would increase with this bill. State Parks would be required to add patrols and cleaning to daily duties at each area where this would be designated to ensure the adherence to the mission statement of protection and public safety are realized. The bill requires the stamp to be purchased with a Hunting/Fishing License, which would place the stamp sales into the Wildlife Resources funding which could not be transferred to Parks since any monies generated from this stamp must be treated as license income and be subject to distribution as outlined in existing code, or we could be found in diversion of license monies for non-fish and wildlife activities.



Memorandum


The Park System has recently entered into a Public/Private Partnership with Tentrr, which is a business that offers unique backcountry style camping in designated areas. This is also referred to as glamping. An anticipated decrease in revenue/occupancy could be realized if dispersed camping is permitted since many of the areas would be shared by both user groups. For additional information concerning this fiscal note, please contact: Brett W. McMillion Deputy Chief West Virginia State Parks 324 4th Ave South Charleston, WV 25303 Office: (304)558-2764 Cell: (304)660-5344



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Amanda Morris
    Email Address: amanda.l.morris@wv.gov