State parks might close to save money

Lake Cushman, Tolmie among those threatened

N.S. NOKKENTVED, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published Friday, March 8, 2002

OLYMPIA -- Budget cuts might mean closing several popular parks, including Lake Cushman, Ike Kinswa and Tolmie state parks, the state Parks and Recreation Commission said.

Parks commissioners have warned for years that the system wasn't getting enough money, spokeswoman Virginia Painter said.

"That's been going on for a long time," Painter said.

The agency can't maintain the entire park system at its current funding level, Painter said.

Commissioners want to lighten the load because reductions are being called for by Gov. Gary Locke and legislators, Painter said. Commissioners want to start with parks the state doesn't own.

Commissioners also are considering returning some appropriated maintenance money and cutting some programs and personnel at headquarters and regional offices.

Fees may rise

The commission also will consider increasing by $1 or $2 existing camping, boat launch and trailer dump fees this season.

Lake Cushman and Ike Kinswa -- owned by Tacoma Power and Light -- are among 13 state parks on land owned by other agencies. If State Parks can't get more financial support from those agencies, the commissioners will consider closing:

- Potholes and Summer Falls parks, which are owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

- Crow Butte, Central Ferry, Chief Timothy, Maryhill and Lyons Ferry state parks and Spring Creek Hatchery, which are owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

- Daroga, Lincoln Rock and Wenatchee Confluence state parks, which are owned by Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County.

Ten state-owned parks also are under consideration for closure, with the intent of mothballing them for a minimum of three years. The plan depends upon the final budget and how much can be saved by closing the leased parks.

Tolmie on list

The mothballing list includes Tolmie State Park, already partly closed as a result of the Nisqually Earthquake. Other parks on the list:

- Snohomish County: Mukilteo, Wallace Falls and Wenberg.

- King County: Nolte, Olallie and Bridle Trails.

- Pierce County: Kopachuck.

- Chelan County: Squilchuck.

- Clallam County: Bogachiel.

The first closures would come for day-use parks this spring. Camping parks would remain open through September to honor reservations.

N.S. Nokkentved covers the outdoors for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5445 and at nnokkent@olympia.gannett.com.

To learn more

For more information on proposed state park budget cuts, go online to www.parks.wa.gov and click on "State Parks budget cuts." Comments can be sent by e-mail to Budget.Cuts@parks. wa.gov, or by calling 360-902-8518 to leave a message with your name, address and telephone number.

Want to be heard?

The Washington Parks and Recreation Commission has scheduled five public forums at three locations to hear comments about proposed budget cuts. Comments will be forwarded to all commissioners before their meeting March 21 in Spokane.

- Lakewood: 2 to 5 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Lakewood Community Center, 9112 Lakewood Drive S.W., Suite 121.

- Pasco: 2 to 5 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Franklin County Public Utility District, 1411 W. Clark St.

- Wenatchee: 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Red Lion Motel, 1225 N. Wenatchee Ave.

On the Web:

- Washington State Parks

- Senate Ways & Means: 2002 Supplemental Budget Proposals

- Senate Ways & Means Fiscal Updates 2002

- Washington State Legislature

- Washington State Treasurer

- Gov. Gary Locke

Sound Off at TheOlympian.com: How do we weather Washington state's budget crisis?

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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