Council Objects to Back Bay User Fee

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently posted signs around Upper Newport Bay notifying the community about its plan to collect money from walkers, hikers, bikers or joggers in the area, but Newport Beach officials said they object the fee.

At the Tuesday night Newport Beach City Council Meeting, council members voted unanimously to send a letter requesting the state to rescind the Lands Pass fee at Upper Newport Bay. Sections of the ecological reserve are owned by the city, county and the state, according to a city staff report, with the city's main ownership being Back Bay Drive.

The Lands Pass system has been in place for several years within the state agency and was created to help cover the state's cost associated with maintaining the reserves and wildlife areas. A daily pass is currently $4.32 per person, or $22.86 per person for an annual pass.

Newport Beach Mayor Keith Curry voiced his opposition to the fee at the meeting.

"Apparently if you step off our street you owe $4.32. That's a pretty dumb idea," Curry said. "I'm looking forward to signing that letter."

The state agency collects Lands Pass fees at seven reserves for all non-hunting recreational purposes including hiking, walking, running, biking, bird watching, kayaking and more.

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