Washington State Parks Face Budget Cuts, Closures
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Washington State Parks and Trails Face Budget Cuts, Potential Closures and Service Reductions
Washington state parks and trails are bracing for significant changes this spring and summer due to proposed budget cuts for the Department of Natural Resources recreation program. The agency, which manages millions of acres for hiking, biking, and off-road riding, is facing a 20% reduction in funding, with an additional $750,000 cut. This has led to plans for closures at popular sites like Bear Creek and Chopaka Lake campgrounds, as well as service cuts at trails in the Snoqualmie area and Reiter Foothills State Forest.
The agency is already stretched thin, with just one worker for every twenty-two miles of trail or three hundred thirty thousand visitors. The proposed cuts will exacerbate a long-term shortfall and shrink staff across the state, leading to reduced maintenance and increased liability risks. The Commissioner of Public Lands, Dave Upthegrove, has warned that underfunding endangers safe access to these lands.
Both the House and Senate budget plans propose cuts to recreation funds, with the House version being slightly less severe than the Senate or governors proposal. However, even without the new cuts, funding remains about 20% below the last two-year cycle. Officials stress that recreation boosts tourism and the economy, urging lawmakers to consider this in their budget decisions.
Visitors can expect rougher trails and spotty services statewide as backlogs grow and staffing drops. While not every spot will close, many campgrounds face full closures or late openings, hitting popular areas from Ahtanum to Winston Creek. Visitors are advised to plan ahead for these impacts.
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