This is an excerpt from an article in the St. Louis Post Dispatch on June 2, 2011:

"State parks are in a pinch. Summer is high time in Missouri's state parks. But another legislative session has passed in Jefferson City with little action on a growing problem for our renowned system of state parks and historic sites. Our parks are saddled with a mounting backlog of more than $200 million in critically needed infrastructure improvements and rehabilitation projects, from aging water and electrical systems to cabins and bridges in need of repair.

State parks are what Missouri does best. On five occasions our parks have been ranked as one of the top four systems in the nation. Our parks are known for geological diversity, superb natural and cultural resources and sound management. Last year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation declared state parks and historic sites to be among America's most endangered historic places, citing Missouri's state parks as a prime example.

The historic Katy Trail needs $47.5 million in improvements to the trail surface, stressed bridges and aging culverts.

Our leaders know the value of our parks. Gov. Jay Nixon has launched innovative initiatives, including the State Parks Youth Corps and the Children in Nature Challenge, to provide educational opportunities and jobs for young Missourians in our parks. But we also need to educate our state legislators about the unique financing structure and capital improvement needs in our state park system and call on them to tackle the rehabilitation projects before our parks slip further into disrepair."

Dawn....can you shed some light on this? Where exactly does DNR fall 47.5 million short on the Katy?

Perhaps it's time to charge a user fee, like the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Iowa. That trail charges a $2 fee per day and also sells annual passes for a nominal fee. I see nothing wrong with the people who most directly benefit from the trail paying a small fee for its use. I mean I have to buy a fishing permit to fish. What do other forum bloggers think?

Usage fees aren't great. It just encourages people not to use the Katy trail on a spur of a moment and such. Thus the popularity of the trail would decrease and so would support. The income wouldn't be that significant anyway.

BTW, the Raccoon River Valley trail is inferior compared to the High Trestle trail in Iowa that doesn't require a usage fee. The most significant difference is that the gravel road crossings are concreted with the High Trestle trail while on the Raccoon River Valley trail you hit huge loose gravel piled up from re-scraping the gravel roads. Not good. It's still nice to have the Raccoon River Valley trail but I don't think that the usage fees are the solution to funding issues.

User fees aren't bad. They usually don't cover the entire cost for the services used, but it would be helpful in keeping the trail an attractive location. Prairie Spirit in Kansas has a fee. I've ridden it, and the RRVT and High Trestle. All fun trails. My memories of the trails aren't about the fees but about the great experiences of riding the countryside. I've ridden the KATY both directions from Clinton to St. Charles. What a great experience.

BTW, I've never been checked by any authorities regarding whether I'd paid. As long as the fees are listed, and opportunity for payment is given, it just gives one more source of revenue to preserve a great experience. And, like all state governments, as long as there is accountability for the use of the funds, people will pay the nominal charges. Since I'm from out of state, it seems right that I should pay something for use of a resource funded by others. These trails are a wonderful addition to our Midwestern experience. A great investment in my opinion.

Agree it would discourage short rides around the metro areas. When I ride the complete trail, there are days that I may see as little as 10 riders. Don't think the revenue would be enough to offset the cost of collecting it. On the other hand I would be glad to pay whatever it takes to keep the trail open and in repair.

We've ridden several trails that have the little user fee boxes and it's worth the ride to pony up a small fee. In my opinion though, as a Missouri resident and tax payer I've already paid to enter any of the MO State Parks. The Katy being a state park is like all the others that I use to picnic or hike in. I don't like the idea of having to pay again just to hike a trail for a few hours. I've turned around at out of state parks because I didn't feel like I should have to pay a fee just to drive through and check it out for a few minutes.

The RRVT charges $10 for an annual pass (children under 18 ride free), perfect for multiple short rides. My point is that if additional funding is required above and beyond what is already provided by Mo. taxpayers, perhaps those who receive the most benefit could pay for it in the form of user fees.