Hiking fees

One of my pet peeves in newspapers is when a headline proclaims a hike in taxes or fees. No, a hike is a walk in the woods. Taxes, fees and prices increase. So you should see the word "hike" in the Outdoors section but not in MaineBusiness.com.

But today, I will forgive anyone who wants to say the Legislature wants to hike license fees. Let me know if I get any of this wrong. But there are three proposals to raise cash for the Maine Wardens Service:

Raise the cost of hunting and fishing licenses $2 for Maine residents and raise it $4 for nonresidents.

Charge $40 for a yearly hunting and fishing license

Charge $20 for a newly-created Adventure Maine card.

I'm not a big objector to fees. I think it is a bit unfair for the average taxpayer to totally support my fun. The White Mountain National Forest has a modest parking fee program. I tend to buy the yearly sticker that results in savings and more convenience. As long as the money goes toward supporting the trail heads, I'm happy to pay it.

The state park fees seem reasonable. I like to buy the yearly pass. I don't think I get my money out of it. But I don't mind. Some taxpayer support should help keep those fees down. I don't want anyone to feel a park is too expensive.

Because I don't hunt or fish, I probably should stay out of the debate over licensing fees. Increases may seem reasonable, but they can't be prohibitive.

That Adventure Maine card sounds fun though. Here's what you could get for $20:

Get out of the woods free

As it stands, if the state needs to organize a search to rescue you, it may bill you. Maine doesn't tend to do that. New Hampshire charges negligent hikers who need rescues. In other words, you have to pay if you are unprepared or stupid. But with the Adventure Maine card, you won't have to pay for any rescue services. But the chances are good you won't have to pay anyway. When was the last time the Wardens presented some lost schmuck with a bill?

Here's the question: Are the Wardens going to start charging?

If they are, $20 is a pretty good insurance policy. I can go hiking with nothing but a bottle of water and a cell phone. Then when I think I'm lost, I can call and get a helicopter ride home. Please tell me that's not how it's going to work. Surely there will be a provision to charge even card-carrying idiots.

Should they charge at all? Rescue efforts are expensive. They do encourage a lax attitude toward preparedness. But from a PR point of view, they put the state in a positive light. That could encourage more adventurers from away.

What if victims worked off their rescue bills with community service? Put them to use on rescue-support efforts or trail maintenance. Have them give back to the community that saved their bacon.

Sorry I got off course. The benefit:

Free park admission

OK, that's certain parks. Not every state park. No list is available yet. It sort of loses its luster when you restrict its use. But increase the price and make it an all park pass. Add that rescue insurance deal, and it's a bargain.

Commercial discounts

Again, no specifics. But I imagine you would get a discount at certain outdoor retailers. It would depend on who wants to offer the deal. I don't think much more than 10 percent will be offered.

I'm not a big fan of the Adventure Maine card so far. I probably will buy one to contribute to a good cause. But they just added a license plate to attract such generosity. How should the state raise the cash?