WS Parks Annual Permit Registration

[MikeHoncho]

I’m in my 4th or 5th season of purchasing a annual moorage permit. I tend to never go beyond the number of uses to pay for itself but I have always bought one for the convenience of not having to carry cash and, more so, not having to dinghy in, find the box and pay when we are just passing through.
This year I was reading the website and it says regardless of having the pass, you have to register each night. I’ve never had any issue not doing so over the past 4 or 5 years, has anyone else? I think I’ll either follow the rules and stop buying the pass or plead stupid if talked too.

 

[Hello Below]

With the exception of the Covid years we have obtained the permit for quite awhile. Being a guest and able to benefit from your lovely state marine parks, we have always followed the rules and registered ashore. I believe this is their way of keeping track of usage. If there is a real inconvenience to physically do this at some parks there is the option to call in your registration:
"Pay with a credit or debit card or provide your Annual Boat Moorage permit number. There is a $4.50 convenience fee to register by phone."
PHONE IN BUOY REGISTRATION

 

[SoSound]

We have never had an issue with not registering on shore. Sometimes we register, other times, no. We were once told that one reason for registration was to provide them with contact info in case of emergencies... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯...on very rare occasions at heavily used locations, we have had a ranger come by in a boat to check registration status. But that was years ago, and long before every location was short staffed. I have always been baffled that they don't just set up a text message registration system for annual pass holders, a single admin person could enter that data into a spreadsheet in no time at all. As we have become more experienced with anchoring, we have used moorage locations less often, so we almost never reach the break even point on annual usage.

 

[AaronD]

We've always registered. But with a family of 4 on a 22-footer, about 80% of our State Park nights are at a dock, so registering just means sending a 10-year-old crew up the ramp. When we're on a mooring, you can be sure that getting off the boat for a few minutes is a personal requirement, not just a state-mandated one! In that case, it sometimes means leaving the younger crew so the parents can row around in quiet for a few minutes.

I don't have any inside information, but I always assumed that registration was partially to track usage, and that seems worth doing to me - I'm thankful for the WSP marine parks, and glad to provide any bit of motivation to keep it funded.

We usually just about break even on usage; sometimes a little under, sometimes a little over; but I'm always happy to buy the pass for convenience and to support the fabulous WSP system.

 

[jssailem]

I’m glad I didn’t buy an annual pass what with the past 18 months of nightmares.
I think I’ll pay as I go for this year and reassess next season.

 

[MikeHoncho]

I’m glad I didn’t buy an annual pass what with the past 18 months of nightmares.
I think I’ll pay as I go for this year and reassess next season.

Buy one , it will motivate you to use it more….although I’m thinking motivation isn’t the issue.

 

[jssailem]

although I’m thinking motivation isn’t the issue.

Spoken like a very wise man.

Soon, “I Shall Return”… to the water.

 

[Terry Cox]

Soon, “I Shall Return”… to the water.

Who's that with you in your avatar, grandson? Too young for Les.

 

[Terry Cox]

Never purchased a pass and never will. With all the taxes I pay along with the boat tab fees, just not worth it. My vote would be to return all these state parks back to wilderness areas.

 

[jssailem]

Yes. That’s my summer avatar this year.