Wash. State Parks Looking At "Worst Case Scenario" For Funding Cuts

The Washington state parks and recreation board is preparing for the "worse case scenario," meaning cuts of up to 20 percent of its current budget in the next fiscal year, the News Tribune reports.

That could include closing state parks, although the commission has expressed its preference of avoiding that option, according to the News Tribune. A workshop has convened to explore the agency's options as the state parks are being weaned off the state's general fund pool.

That could mean a cut of $30 million out of its $148 million budget, according to the newspaper. The state began charging a $30 annual fee or $10 daily fee for those visiting its park and other historic landmarks under the commission's jurisdiction. New proposals include a fee increase for cabin rentals and a hike in the annual boat launch fee.

"Closing parks is counterproductive," Larry Fairleigh, assistant director of parks development, told the News Tribune. "We must offer an experience the public will choose."