Questions on Permits and fees

[TimBarnes]

Thanks for posting, Paul.  Is there a website where we can read the official policy change that is being proposed?  Its hard to respond to something you're not sure of.

[MattYost]

Speaking of the tourism aspect of this issue: I caught this commercial on HGTV today (my wife was watching - okay).  The commercial looks like it's 6 weeks old, but its pretty timely for Kentucky to start advertising as a mountain biking destination.

[Paul_Arlinghaus]

Tim, I have not been provide with any documentation other than the link I provided. 


Matt,  HMBA has used tourism as a benefit of mtb trails in Indiana, but we can not be held accountable for the actions of our State.  If our State chooses to not take advantage of the trails we have built to attract tourists, then the local tourism boards need to fight that battle.


Lot's of great trails being built in our neighboring States.

[deanarammalamma]

Thanks for the detailed information,  Paul. I'll pay it without complaint because I'll get my money's worth.  Only time will tell if it affects out of state revenue.  I wager it won't,  as long as we gain access to State Forest to build even more world class trail. I suppose we'll see though.  Thanks again.

[Allen Edwards]

Thanks for the info, Paul.  I totally understand the need to raise fees.

The document you linked to says that the off-road cycling fee will take effect on June 1, July 1, or November 1, pending approval of the Natural Resources Commission.  Any idea when this is on the agenda and which date it's likely to take effect?  I want to be first in line to get my permit!

[N9TKF]

Additional FAQ's from the NRC website outlining their meeting agenda on May 19, 2015 10:00 a.m., EDT (9:00 a.m., CDT), Ballroom, Garrison, Fort Harrison State Park, Indianapolis.
 
Looks like the NRC has to vote on the fee increases and other agenda items. Interesting read. If passed the mountain bike permit will go into effect on July 1, 2015.
 
http://www.in.gov/nrc/files/item_9_nrc_may_2015.pdf
 
NRC website:
 
http://www.in.gov/nrc/

Also on the agenda is an admission fee to State forests, looks to me that the current State park pass will not cover the State Forests? (Last item on the agenda link page)

[Mahk]

..........................
 
NRC website:
 
http://www.in.gov/nrc/

Also on the agenda is an admission fee to State forests, looks to me that the current State park pass will not cover the State Forests? (Last item on the agenda link page)

That's a good question. 

It's clear that the proposed off-road cycling permit would cover both the state parks and the state forests (p. 6 of the link in the quote above, the 'Daily Mountain Bike Permit' and the 'Annual Mountain Bike Permit' (now called 'off road cycling permit' per item 1) here:
 
http://www.hmba.org/smf/index.php?topic=13717.0   ) apply to both 'Parks and Forestry').   
 
It also seems that the new/implemented park admission fee covers both the state parks and the state forests (p. 5 of the link in the quote, the 'Annual Resident Permit' and the 'Annual Non-Resident Permit' apply to both 'Parks and Forestry'). 
 
But, it looks like there is also a proposed admission fee for the state forest (p. 11, very last item in the link in the quote).  My interpretation is that this would cover admission to just the state forests and not the state parks. 
 

[DITCH]

Has the parks looked at a off road hiking permit? I see the future of mountain biking  in trouble, when only available  to those who can afford. Families with kids, on a tight budget, will be limited to the roads. ??

[indym3]

Regarding the $20 bike permit, is this a wallet type card that is for the user or an actual sticker similar to the boat launch permits that is just for one bike all year? 

[djkouza]

Regarding the $20 bike permit, is this a wallet type card that is for the user or an actual sticker similar to the boat launch permits that is just for one bike all year?

My hope is that it is a wallet style.  A per bike registration seems overkill.

[Unfit Nitwit]

The permit goes per person. It is known by the DNR that many of us have more than one bike.
I don't think what it would be issued as (card, decal, tag, just the receipt) was given yet.
There would be issue with a helmet decal, as some have more than one helmet, and they get replaced for various reasons. A card the size of the annual permit would work, though some will balk at carrying anything during a ride. A tag might be easily torn off in a crash or by the wind if the bike is transported on the outside of a vehicle.