Outdoor News Daily

Fees at Colorado State Parks for boat registrations increased on Jan. 1, 2010. The daily entry fees and the cost of annual passes will remain the same.

The Colorado State Parks Board approved the new fees in September 2009 and boat registration fees will go up by $10 to $25, depending on the size of the vessel. The parks board also approved a $2 per night increase in camping fees and a $2 increase in reservation fees.

The fee increases are part of a budget reduction strategy that Colorado State Parks has undertaken to manage a $3 million shortfall in state funding for operations in fiscal year 2009-2010 due to the economic downturn. State parks will rely more on user fees to fund operation.

The fees for boat registrations hadn’t changed since 2003, said Dean Winstanley, director of Colorado State Parks. Even with the increase, the fees for boating registrations at Colorado State Parks are still comparable or lower than the fees charged at other state parks, he said.

“The 42 Colorado State Parks draw nearly 12 million visitors each year and will remain affordable, family-friendly areas where the public can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including boating,” said Winstanley.

A chart, explaining the increase in boat registration fees:

Boat Registration 2010 Fee Changes

Boat Registration <20' From $25 to $35
Boat Registration 20'-30' From $30 to $45
Boat Registration > 30′ From $50 to $75
Boat Dealer Registration
1 to 25 boats sold From $30 to $45
26+ boats sold From $50 to $75

Fees help keep parks accessible for water recreation; support patrol boats and officers to provide boater safety; and fund staff and administrative costs for the boat registration program.

Boat registration fees in other states also vary by length of vessel and range from $20-$495.Most state park systems across the country receive state funds, but Colorado State Parks is one of the 10 least subsidized systems in the nation.

Attracting nearly 12 million visitors per year, Colorado’s 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado’s economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,531 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities.

Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,000 campsites, and 57 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.colorado.gov/parks.

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