Well now the little fellow looks like one of those east coast types.
However many crabs are cannibalistic ( hoopoe puts on her science
geek cap). However this Dungeness crab was so good and so sweet and
so perfect ( and $2.99 a lb !)that I am afraid there was not enough
to go around ;-) He might have to make do with the left overs.

Now about our Washington State Park issue. This is an issue near and
not so dear to my heart. It certainly pre-dates the car tab
initiative issue. A club I belong to, Lake Washington Saddle Club,
has been very involved in this issue for many years. Bridle Trails
SP was founded when farmers on the east side of Seattle bought a
section of land ( 1 mile square) so that the people of the then rural
east side could have a place to enjoy equestrian activities. This
was 1946. In the 60's the group sold the park to the state as a
state park. Singularly unique in the USA it had become a major venue
for horse shows (humble as it is) in the Pacific Northwest and
Canada.

Wisely someone had the forethought to retain the funds raised by the
Saddle Club instead of putting it in the states General Fund ( where
most income generated in this fashion by park use go) We retain the
control of the funds we raise by putting on horse shows ( mostly
local unrated fun shows) and pay them out to our ranger and board as
needed for the improvement of the park. We also use funds to work on
issues pertaining to the development of the neighborhood and
contributions to special groups and individuals ( Olympic candidates,
riding for the handicap, schools programs)

Anyone not knowing this area what was a once rural farm studded area
has now grown into the cities of Kirkland Bellevue and Redmond.
Microsoft HQ is about 1 mile from the park and the property
surrounding the park and indeed several cities and towns within 5
miles are home to some of the richest ( and THE richest) people in
the region.

A beautiful second growth forest smack dab in the middle of the
largest metro area of the state. No longer the hub of equestrian
activity for the region we struggle along to preserve this beautiful
venue for all to enjoy.

It has been number one on the states hit list for quite some time.
We pressured the powers and received a stay. We formed the Save Our
Park Foundation and worked to activate awareness around the state.
Now we are setting up a non-profit tax exempt foundation. We are
trying to raise 1 million (+) to preserve the park for all to enjoy.
The state requires $80,000 / year to maintain this park as an open
facility. I doubt our club, even in its peak years, could ever raise
such a level of funds. When assigning points to each state park a(
to determine the hit list about 4 or 5 years ago now) the park
received no points for "uniqueness" nor for impact to neighborhood if
lost ( many homes are "horse acres" and there are about 8 - 10
equestrian facilities on the park)

My question is, are the fees raised going to the General fund or will
they be state park income specifically?

I have no objection to a yearly parking sticker fee. However the
amount is not a major burden for me. I fear that people who ARE
casual users of state parks will be kept away. This is particularly
painful for the urban people who have little contact with nature and
the ultra rural people who have little choice of public land use. (
there is also a parking and permit fee for state forest access a
majority of the public land in isolated areas)

I cheer the Head Nails notion of Starter Kits and parking passes to
those who might want to use them. I would like to see Parking passes
given to organizations such as the Y, community centers, social
agencies and spiritual centers where people who can make use of
the "free day" can pick up a pass to use.

Well too long and rambling but, as you can see, an issue that is near
and dear to my heart. I consider BTSP the Heart of my soul and have
found much delight in our state many varied parks. I came to the
great outdoors late in life. I just hope they are open and welcoming
for all to enjoy 10 or 20 years from now.

Washington's track record is very poor ( 2nd to last of the 14
western states in spending on parks and public lands)

Everyone pay attention. You never know when you will be called upon
to defend the "public" land you love.