DNR Cuts Could Hurt State Parks

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Updated: 2:57 PM Dec 10, 2004 DNR Cuts Could Hurt State Parks The proposed cuts by the DNR could have a major impact on Wisconsin's state parks. Already short staffed, some may be forced to close down if the cuts are passed by the Legislature. Posted: 8:36 PM Dec 9, 2004 Reporter: Amanda Lutz DNR Budget Proposal Could Impact State Parks

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Wisconsin's state parks and trails are visited almost 14 million times each year, but one group fears that attendance could take a hit if these job cuts are passed through.

The "Friends of Wisconsin State Parks" helps support the state parks through fundraising, volunteering, and filling in the gaps where past budget cuts have thinned out full-time staff.

On average, the state park system only has about two full time staff members for each of the 94 parks or trails, and these parks could end up losing a lot more than just jobs.

"Some of these positions being cut would be the ones collecting the fees," says John Waring, a member of Friends of Wisconsin State Parks. "So you have a double impact that you're losing revenue that could be coming into the state as well as losing the facility."

So with reduced budgets, cuts and a smaller staff, some parks could be forced to shut down. That doesn't sit well with the group, since more people are visiting state parks than ever before.

"That's one of our biggest concerns is that it will cut down on the facilities we want to use or the enjoyment won't be nearly as much so it will start being cut down," Waring says.

The group is already meeting with state legislators, and will continue to in the coming months. They say they understand budgets are tight, but that these cuts could have many negative repercussions in the future.