This year Washington State Parks celebrate 100 years. Moran State Park was added to the list in 1921, but staff and volunteers are gathering to support the inception of all Washington state parks, which occurred in March of 1913.

On March 9, at 11 a.m., volunteers and community members are invited to show their support for state parks by gathering at the historic tower at the top of Mt. Constitution for an aerial photo taken by Martin Taylor from a plane flown by Brent McDonald.

“It’s important that the park systems have been in existence for 100 years, especially at a point and time when cutting of funding and closing parks is happening,” said Michel Vekved of Friends of Moran State Park. “When parks were established we were not in a strong economy, but it was established as a part of quality of life and a drive for the economy that is still especially true on Orcas.”

State Parks are currently asking Washington legislatures for 27.3 million dollars from the general fund.

On Feb. 12 there was a hearing for Senate Bill 5657, for more info, visit http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5657&year=2013. This bill and House Bill 1935 (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1935&year=2013) proposes that the general fund match Discover Pass funds for the state park budget.

The Discover Pass that took effect in July 2011 has fallen far shy of its projected revenue of $65 million within two years. The pass only brought in $7.2 million in its first four months.

But that doesn’t mean crowds aren’t flocking to Moran State Park.

Vekved said that park count numbers show that 700,000 to 800,000 visit the every year and many of those visitors make Mt. Constitution their first stop on the island.

“It’s great to recognize how long the park system has been here,” said Vekved. “Now we are at a time of crossroads and we need to show our support.”

Upcoming events

Upcoming events highlighting supporting the park include an art show collaboration with Crow Valley Pottery. The show will be July 27 in the day use area next to kokanee hatchery. There will also be a Moran State Park exhibit at the Orcas Island Historical Museum.