[mb]

Today I made what appears to be an annual september trip to Mt. Pilchuck. At the bottom of the road, there's a sign saying "beware: unmaintained road. winter conditions." At the top were 10000 people, or something like that. And at some point late afternoon, a bearer of yellow envelopes. Doesn't this seem odd? I guess there are lots of 'trail parking areas' at unmaintained roads, but how many officially unmaintained roads are patrolled? Then again, what's this parking permit for? Roads? Trails? Oh well...

[the fee must die]

The FS has "broad authority" in deciding how to spend the fees. I think road repair is less typical compared to outhouses and such. If you don't like the fee, here is a petition and bumper stickers.