LOS OSOS, Calif. – The next time you visit Montana De Oro State Park in Los Osos, you might have to pay a fee.
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors voted 5 -0 to allow the department to start charging an entrance fee.
Some residents are not happy about this decision.
For 35 years, surfer Bingo Farmer has driven through 8,500 acres of Montana De Oro State Park and it never cost him a thing.
But the new amendment to an agreement with State Parks by the SLO County Board could change that.
"My initial reaction…obviously, I'm not too happy about hearing about having to pay to get in here," says Farmer.
The new agreement would allow the department to charge $5 a day for those entering by car or $25 for a yearly pass.
It would remain free for those who volunteer 40 hours a year to the park. Those who enter on bike or on foot would also be exempt but that doesn't help Bingo.
"As a surfer, we have all our gear and things we have to bring out here, so it's not about hiking in," says Farmer.
Officials estimate the fees will bring in $300,000 a year to the park and would locally pay for the costs of trail work, maintenance, range response and make sure the park stays open.
Something some visitors agree with.
"If it's used for something that will benefit some of the state park here in Montana De Oro," says visitor Van Curaza. ""then it could be a good thing."
State park officials say money raised from the fees will also go towards the acquisition of Wild Cherry Canyon, in order to connect Los Osos to Avila Beach.
They also say the proposal may have to go through a hearing before the California Coastal Commission.
"If it's used for something that will benefit some of the state park here in Montana De Oro," says visitor Van Curaza. ""then it could be a good thing."
State park officials say money raised from the fees will also go towards the acquisition of Wild Cherry Canyon, in order to connect Los Osos to Avila Beach.
They also say the proposal may have to go through a hearing before the California Coastal Commission.
