BASIS AND PURPOSE
The legislative declaration contained in 33-12-100.2, C.R.S., states that “Because the nature and operation of such state parks and recreation areas, the system can be largely self-supporting, and the users of such resources can help to fund the systems operation and maintenance.  The general assembly declares and intends that as a matter of state policy the system of state parks and state recreation areas should be financed as much as reasonably possible through revenues derived from the users of such system.”

33-10-107 (1)(h) C.R.S. states, in part, that “the Board has power to establish by rules pursuant to section 33-10-111(5) the amounts of fees for certificates, permits, licenses, and passes and any other special charges in order to provide for cash revenues necessary for the continuous operation of the state park and recreation system.”

33-10-111 (5) C.R.S. states, in part, that “the Board may set fees by rule for the use of facilities and programs of the Division.”

The amendments to regulations # 700-5, #700-6, #700-7 and #708-1 are needed in order to: (1) increase the annual vehicle pass fee by $5.00, from $55.00 to $60.00, (2) increase the fee for an additional vehicle pass, commonly known as the multiple pass, by $5.00, from $20.00 to $25.00, (3) change the annual vehicle pass from a calendar year pass to a pass that remains valid from the date of purchase until the last day of the same month of purchase in the following year, (4) change the multiple pass from a calendar year pass to a pass that remains valid from the date of purchase until the associated original full-priced annual vehicle pass expires, (5) increase the Aspen Leaf annual pass fee from $27.00 to $30.00,  and (6) increase the Aspen Leaf multiple fee from $10.00 to $15.00.  The Aspen Leaf pass must remain a calendar year pass as specified in 33-12-103(1) C.R.S.

These amendments will become effective November 15, 2007, when 2008 pass sales begin.  For FY 08/09, it is conservatively estimated that these increases will generate in excess of an additional $240,000.00 in cash revenue.  

These regulation amendments are necessary for the efficient administration of pass and permit sales by the Division, for the improved ability to communicate pass and permit fees and policies to guests and to the public at large, and to generate additional cash revenues necessary for the continuous operation of the state park and recreation system.

The statutory authority for these regulations can be found in Colorado Revised Statutes sections 33-10-101, 33-10-102, 33-10-106, 33-10-107, 33-10-108, 33-10-109, 33-10-111, 33-12-100.2, 33-12-101, 33-12-102, 33-12-103, and 24-4-103.  

#700-5, #700-6, #700-7, #708-1
EFFECTIVE DATE
These regulations shall become effective November 15, 2007 and shall remain in full force and effect until amended, repealed, or superseded by the Board of Parks and Outdoor Recreation.  

Adopted by the Board of Parks and Outdoor Recreation of the State of Colorado this 15th day of June 2007. 

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Dr. Tom Ready
Chairman

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Secretary