DNR Recreation Budget Update

[Grumpy]

Hi folks:

Last week I met with recreation managers from all six of our regions to discuss DNR’s recreation budget matters. I want to give you an update of that discussion as it will directly impact recreation on DNR-managed lands for the foreseeable future.

As you now know, the state legislature diverted our yearly $1.5 million in NOVA grant funding to Washington State Parks for at least the next 2 years. These grant funds are critical in keeping 110 gas-tax supported facilities and trails open and safe. In addition, our general fund budget was reduced by 60 percent, leaving us with only $200,000 a year to maintain 33 recreation facilities and 167 miles of trails. This includes facilities such as Mt. Si, McLean Creek, Lake Spokane, and Ahtanum Snow Park.

As a result of these budget reductions, we are forced to make some painful decisions that will require closing some of our recreation areas—either temporarily or permanently. Many of you may have already caught wind of this. I want to I clear up any confusion or misinformation.

The facts:

- First, we have not made any decisions yet as to which sites we will be forced to close. I have asked regional recreation managers and their staff to provide me with a list of their recommendations.

- In cutting our funding, the legislature gave us authorization to close up to 40 recreation sites.

- Decisions about closures will be based on many things, including how remote a site is, sites that don’t support trail-based recreation, and sites that are high maintenance but attract a low volume of visitors.

- “Closureâ€

[Grumpy]

And this should give one pause for thought:

Peter Goldmark the new lands commissioner and Ken Mackomee (Sp) the main DNR guy that oversees the SE Region are both Greenies. Ken says the DNR is not in the recreation business. He does not want any ORVs in these areas as it is. Damage just gives him a way to shut us out.

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