Scope

W.S. 28-8-107(b) authorizes the Legislative Service Office to conduct program evaluations, performance audits, and analyses of policy alternatives.  Generally, the purpose of such research is to provide a base of knowledge from which policymakers can make informed decisions.

In October 2000 the Management Audit Committee directed staff to undertake a review of the State Parks and Historic Sites (SPHS) fee program.  The fee program is established by W.S. 36-4-121, which  authorizes daily-use and camping fees at 16 SPHS locations.  The Committee requested an analysis focusing on the following questions:

·         How are the fee collection sites operating individually, and as a whole?

·         How do the fees charged in Wyoming compare with surrounding states?

·         How will revenue from the statutorily created enterprise account be used?

·         What have been the results of the policy the Legislature has established?

·         Are there additional benefits the fee program could produce?

Methodology

This evaluation was conducted according to statutory requirements and professional standards and methods for governmental audits.  The research was carried out from January through March 2001.

In order to compile basic information about the fee program, we reviewed relevant statutes, statutory history, budget documents, training manuals, and other internal documents.  We also reviewed professional literature about park management.

We surveyed the superintendents of the parks and sites to learn their views about the fee program.  We conducted extensive interviews with SPHS officials both in Cheyenne and around the state, and reviewed visitor comments and complaints covering several years.  To gather information on the revenues and expenses of the fee program, we worked with SPHS staff and the accounting office in the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.  We contacted officials from six surrounding states to obtain information about their fee programs.  Finally, we visited one state park in order to understand the context for fee collection but, because our research was conducted during the off-season, we did not conduct further field visits. 

Acknowledgements

The Legislative Service Office expresses appreciation to those who assisted in this research, especially to the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources and its personnel throughout the state and the many other government employees who contributed their expertise.  We also thank the PCR Commission members and members of park and site booster groups whom we interviewed for this project.