(The Center Square) – A pair of Wisconsin legislators are proposing legislation that would create various fees for activities on state land to help fund the state’s Department of Natural Resources.
The fees include a hiking permit, which would cost $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 or older for anyone graveling on foot on state land and a $40 bike permit for adults using state trails and $20 for children 12 and older, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
The proposal also includes a foraging permit that will cost $40 per adult and $20 for children over the age of 12.
The proposed bills haven’t been filed yet and are sponsored by Rep. Chanz Green, R-Grand View, and Sen. Rob Stafsholt, R-New Richmond.
The Center Square was unable to obtain comment from Green and Stafsholt before publication.
The Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Committee said that the proposal was an example of Republicans refusing to address the increasing cost of living in the state.
“In response to this universal struggle, Wisconsin Republicans have decided to levy new taxes on the millions of people across our state who prefer to spend their time outdoors,” the group said in a statement. “This blatantly out of touch effort is yet another proof point that our state’s Republican party is unable to address the struggles of working families.”
The fees also include new permit costs for non-motorized boats and cross-country skiing on state land.
The cross-country skiing fee would be $40 for an adult and $20 for a child over 12.
