Washington State To Close 13 State Parks In 2009
December 26, 2008
Map of Washington State
Washington state will be forced to close 13 state parks under a new budget proposal set forth by Governor Chris Gregoire. The new budget will be focusing on saving the state $3.5 billion and allow them to not raise any new taxes in the coming year. The state park cuts come on the heels of a similar measure in Illinois that recently sent shock-waves through the outdoors community. Governor Gregoire claims that the state park cuts will save the state an annual $5.2 million dollars if the parks are closed. Washington will also be taking away $35.8 million in Natural Resources funding.
Click through the jump to read the details and see a list of what Washington state parks are set to close.
The 13 state parks set for closure in Washington State include:
- Osoyoos Lake State Veteran’s Memorial Park: 47-acre camping park in Okanogan County.
- Brooks Memorial Park: 700-acre camping park between the hills of the south Yakima Valley and the Simcoe Mountains.
- Schafer State Park: 119-acre camping park on the Satsop River, between Olympia and Ocean Park.
- Bogachiel State Park: 123-acre camping park along the Bogachiel River on the Olympic Peninsula.
- Tolmie State Park: 105-acre marine day-use park on Nisqually Beach, near Olympia.
- Fay Bainbridge State Park: 17-acre marine camping park on Bainbridge Island.
- Fort Okanogan State Park: 45-acre day-use park overlooking the Columbia River.
- Wenberg State Park: 46-acre camping park on Lake Goodwin, Snohomish County.
- Fort Ward State Park: 137-acre marine park on Rich Passage, Kitsap County.
- Joemma Beach: 122-acre marine camping park on southeast Key Peninsula, Pierce County.
- Kopachuck State Park: 109-acre marine and camping park on Henderson Bay, Pierce County.
- Lake Sylvia State Park: 233-acre camping park in Grays Harbor County.
- Old Fort Townsend State Park: 367-acre marine camping park on Port Townsend Bay.
Two parks to close temporarily:
- Squilchuck State Park: 288-acre camping park near Wenatchee.
- Nolte State Park: 117-acre day-use park on Deep Lake in the Green River Gorge.
I am sure this news will meet the same kind of outcry that the recent Illinois state park closures caused. The public was infuriated by the fact that their tax money would effectively be used to close something that the public actually benefits from. I am not sure how the Washington State park system operates, but all of Illinois’ state parks were free to the public. Illinois was trying to save $16 million with their state park closures, when in effect, if the state would have simply charged $1 a vehicle for the use of the parks, they could have paid the deficit and still had an extra $16 million to spare. Is this just state idiocy?
Petitions and town meetings in Illinois helped quall the state park closures. After an emergency session on the heals of the park closures, funding was restored for the near future. If you live in Washington state and care about your outdoor heritage, it is time to start taking some action by contacting your local and state law makers on this issue. If this proposed budget is allowed to pass, many millions of dollars in local tourist money will be lost for towns and cities near these closing parks. With the economy and the nation’s finances the way they are, there is absolutely no excuse to let these natural tourist attractions go to the side of the curb.
In my previous article about the Illinois state parks, I outlined a few things that you could do to let your voices be heard on this very dire issue. By following along, searching out the petitions and contacting your lawmakers, this new budget measure may be able to be stopped or ammended.
The state park closings are a very small part of the overall budget cuts and many people are already speaking out against the measures. Many of the cuts also involve over $682 million in state workers and teachers pay cut, $500 million in child healthcare cuts, and another $178 million in cuts to programs for the disabled and poor. In a time of recession, these programs are essential to the public population and should be last resort cuts. These are the programs that people who lose their jobs must have to survive any monetary shortcomings.
I find this newly proposed budget preposterous and totally out of line with the way the current economy rests. If you feel the same way I do, or even feel differently, feel free to express your thoughts below and I will get them to the proper people to hopefully make them think twice about this rediculous budget offering. Share with us how you use these parks and what effects the closures would have on you and your family. I look forward to reading the responses, and I am sure the people I pass these along to will enjoy hearing the publics view, as well. Post your comments and be heard below! Help Save Washington’s state parks!
I will be keeping an eye on the comments over the next couple of days and will also be looking into this issue as it developes. Be sure to stop back often for the latest news on the Washington state park closings.
From The Adventurist Vault:
Written by Jason A. Hendricks · Filed Under Washington State Parks |
I was born in Seattle more years ago than I would like to think of. My family has always enjoyed the rich abundance our state parks have to offer. In recent years I have been a volunteer at the Camp Moran Environmental Learning Center on Orcas Island. The friends of the island group has spent many hours cleaning up and improving the ELC, and the Youth Conservation Corps are shaping future generations to become environmentaly conscious adults.
For me personally the loss of these state parks is great. I have spent many days as a child, with my children and now with my grandchildren, sharing, teaching and enjoying the great diversity that is Washington State. Much of this exposure is only available to our children through our state parks.
One more thing… I don’t understand why we are closing the state parks to save 5.2 million when there is “600 million in the state rainy-day-fund” according to the governor’s budget proposal. 600 million in a rainy-day-fund? I think we need to start policing up our state government.
I found that fact interesting, as well. I am not sure what a “Rainy” day consists of for state government, but it seems like if there are spare funds set aside, that these would be the first to be used to try to keep these parks open. How many years would that fund the state park system?
The reality of this situation is that when states become ’strapped’ for cash, the state’s DNR and parks system are generally the first to suffer. I guess the politicians feel that if they are locked inside their offices then others must not be using the parks either.
I also find it disturbing that they are going to be directing funds away from other programs that would generally help the poor and less advantaged in a time of financial crisis. How about cutting back on the state government vehicles, housing, and pay? Nah. They wouldn’t have none of that reality! I am afraid things are going to get worse before they get better. Illinois and Washington’s parks problem seems like a no-brainer. I have recently read that New Jersey may be looking to do the same. Let’s hope that our next President is as environmentally minded as they say and that he may be able to help. Thanks for your thoughts, and thanks for stopping by!
All the more reason to look into buying private camp sites at places like Skagit River Woods — see http://www.skagitriverwoods.com
I was just informed of this issue today by a local park ranger so I began doing some research and stumbled on this article. It will be equally detrimental to Washington State citizens if these parks are closed. I grew up in Lacey, Washington and my favorite place to go was Tolmie State Park, a day-use park that is so absolutely beautiful. Back in August I spoke to the park ranger and he informed me that local eagle scouts had just built a beautiful amphitheater which overlooks the water. I called to reserve it for my wedding in July and I hear this. There has already been another couple reserving it and more that have shown interest. I am sure that the amphitheater rental alone could help, I plan to call the local legislature and talk about how important this park is to me and to the rest of the community.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31582210&l=5005f&id=39201137
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31582215&l=eda12&id=39201137
Check out these photos of the view and see for yourself! Save the Parks!
Heather, I am sure that your passion for the parks runs pretty rampant throughout the state. There are thousands and thousands of people who have a story similar to yours. The key is to get them out and get them talking, sign the petitions, go to your local government meetings, and try to get things moving in a direction that will hopefully lead to the saving of the parks from the cuts.
We have been meeting family & friends at Osoyoos State Park in Washington for 31 years. Our children are now bringing their children and meeting their friends there. We spend a total of 30 days over a period of 3 months. We buy our groceries in Oroville, support the local restaurants, buy clothing and camping equipment in Oroville, Tonasket and Omak as I am sure all those that stay at the State Park do.
Without the State Park there will be no reason to even be near Oroville, we would not bother to shop in Omak, etc. and believe it would be a great loss to the area and those of us who have enjoyed the honour of staying at the park.
Mel & Barb
Iam sorry to ear the closure of the park in Orville Its will be terrible for they economy of Orville and also the people that work in the park paying tax now that will be gone plus if the government would quit spending billion of dollars to go to the moon and stop the war they would have more money to keep the park s and have family enjoy park and nature me be it will be less violence in the world .we been camp host at that park for 10 years and it just like are 2 home
think about it before you close that park of all the familys that miss it
Our family has been going to Oroville, Osoyoos State park for 30 years,; the fourth generation is starting to come. Why? We travel 15 hours from Alberta to experience the beauty, warm weather , clean warm water, spacious campsites where our babies can crawl and our children play in safety on the grass, can ride their bicycles on the pathway; where families can sit around the fire, have a quiet sleep, walk up the hill to do some shopping, enjoy the crystal clear water for swimming, boating and flosting. We have met the same group of friends year after year who return with their families over and over. There is something magical about the park where we, our childrenand now are children’s children have grown up. This is an international tresure that must be protected!!!!
Writing, petitioning and being a general bother to others really does pay off. I just heard, and it is confirmed through the Public Affairs Office at State Parks, that the Camp Moran Environmental Learning Center on Orcas Island was removed from the list. I have not heard any word on the others as of yet. I will post a comment as soon as I can.
My understanding is that some other parks slated for closure will still be open to the public but will not longer have park rangers on staff or any staff support. A friend is suggesting an adopt the parks program to help maintain trails, pick up litter, and other duties that can be handled by volunteers. Will let you know of any progress on that also.
Thanks for the update, Traci. I am definitely interested in hearing any further updates that you run across. This seems to be a pretty popular page for people looking for information about this issue. I am glad that they seem to be easing up on their original plans and trying to work out a better situation. It might not be perfect, but anything is better than nothing. I am looking forward to the future updates.
I’ve got a blog setup to help get the word out. See http://www.savekopachuck.com
For those of you interested in emailing the Governor of Washington regarding these closures here is the web address http://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/ - not sure how to make blue so you just need to press on it but the Governor can be emailed from this web site.
Barb
I just got back from a disappointing trip with my husband, kids and all of their bikes. we were not aware that Nolte state park had closed. (I had heard rumors, but wasn’t sure). Where am I supposed to take my family to play…for free!? There’s other areas to cut costs. I sent my email to Christine Gregoire, I’ll be checking on further updates to see if there is anything else I can do to change this.
I live on Bainbridge Island and have lived in the State of Washington all my life except for my little time in the militay during the Korean conflit. When I was a boy we could camp just about anyplace, and when on the beach we could build camp fires, but that was a long time ago and things have changed. Now there are very few places to camp. We have a motorhome and go camping all the time, mostly in State Parks. The last three years we have had our Daughter and 7 year old Grand Daughter living with us and because of school for the Grand Daughter we only go camping in the summer .Because we live on Bainbridge Island we camp at a very good State Park ” Fay Bainbridge State Park”. If the State closes this Park it will take away a lot of fun for family and kids. Some people can afford to stay in motel at a $100 a night but a lot of us can’t and for me I would rather camp at a nice State Park with a water veiw for $20 a night. One last comment and that is all the people of the Sate of Washington owns these Parks not just the people in Olympia.
($5.2 million dollars savings for closing 13 State Parks.) how much money does it take to run one of these Parks anyway. Some body must be making some big money.
I live within walking distance of Lake Sylvia– which is GORGEOUS! there is a dam there that was ran by the first woman power plant operator in the US–which I think is sad that it wont be maintained. Furthermore- why arent these parks being turned over to the cities they dwell in for revenue, care & keep? Dont close them down— charge a small entrance fee, I saw that most of them have camp sites, dont those bring in revenue of some sort? Find these cuts somewhere else- not in our parks!
Please do not close the parks!!! My husband’s family has been making the 600 mile trip to Oroville, WA for 30 years, and our own children who are now 17 and 15 have grown up vacationing there every summer. It’s never a question of “are we going to Oroville this summer?”, but rather a quesion of “when are we going to Oroville this summer?” It is truly a magical place, with the clear blue skies, refreshing crystal waters, and beauty abound, all nestled in the mountainous valley in a quaint town filled with welcoming “hosts”. With the park’s wonderful “family atmosphere”, we look forward to meeting up with people who, like us, return annually. It is hard to imagine Osoyoos State Park not being a part of lives! Again, please keep these parks open!!
I am almost certain the savings would be $5.2 mil over 2yrs and they want to get rid of more parks on top of that.
I have sent an email to Rex Derr regarding $3 parking fee and possibly increasing other fee’s by a dismal $1. Not much but it WILL add up and easily save the parks and this money is guaranteed to go to the parks, not to the state.
These parks are free, not much else is these days, so what is $3 when you can spend the entire day doing what you want? And frequent visitors could pick up a yearly pass.
I am in my mid 60’s and planning to retire soon. My intension is to travel and camp along the way. Now the parks which we have all been paying for all our lives through taxes are planning to close due to budgeting. My question is, will these re-open as the financial problems are addressed? Or will these parks be made available to investors to turn into private parks? Are there any additional plans beyond closure?
As far as I know, these are currently being looked at as permanent closures. I think most of it depends on how the finances are in the future. Once a park is closed, though, it is very tough to get them reopened due to the extra funding involved in cleaning them back up, repairs, etc.
I live here in Oroville and spend most of the summers with my wife and two daughters and Osoyoos Lake State Park swimming fishing or for just a day at the park. And i am not mad at the fact that the park is closing I am hurt, I have lived here for 33 years and have enjoyed the park for most of those years and have even worked at the park for 2 of those years. Our city government wants to take it over but won’t say what there intensions for the park are. I did talk with a very nice Lady her name is Virgina Painter and she gave me some insight on the park and also told me to contact a gentleman by the name of Jim Harris who is dealing with are state park and our city. If you would like those numbers let me know
In Oroville, I heard that the city was going to take it over or the county, one of the two because it was originally dontated to the state for the park and the state is going to give it back. It would be great if it were made into a city park. However I fear that what has been ruining the Osoyoos lake front will continue….Condos. I hope not. There are only 2 places on the lake that you can publicly access after the state park closes it only leaves one! How long will that one last? Its a shame.
Why are these particular parks targeted. What is it with them that they must close? Does anybody know or do you know where I might find this information? Please email if you can help me.
What the heck is going on in Olympia? They’re closing the park down the hill from me, Joemma Beach. There will be no more crabbing for us….that means we don’t need to spend money on fishing license. The money the area WAS bringing in will be greatly reduced.
Two of the other most important issues, health care and teachers are also being affected. I find it impossible to believe that these are intellengent decisions made by our “Lawmakers”. I’m ashamed to be a Washingtonian!
My guess is that the parks targeted are either 1) not bringing in visitors like lawmakers would like, or 2) are some of the most expensive to keep open. I am not real sure.
You have made some good points about the local economy situation. Many towns and cities will feel the park closings for years to come.
Not sure how correct this information is but I heard that the revenue brought in by the State Parks was put into a “general revenue” fund or something then the powers that be set up a budget for the Parks to operate on and of course some may exceed the operating budget given which has nothing to do with the revenue they are bringing in which could support the park.
I have asked the Executive Director of the Washington State Park Foundation this question and his response was “Barb, I am not able to answer this question with complete accuracy. I have copied Virginia Painter from the State Parks Public Affairs Office. I think she or someone from Public Affairs is better equipped to answer this question.
Tom Lattimore, Executive Director
Washington State Parks Foundation ”
I haven’t heard from Virginia Painter yet but it would be interesting to hear what she has to say.
[...] severe, several other states are contemplating closures. For example, Washington state is closing 13 parks, Illinois temporarily closed 11, Arizona may close eight, and Florida may close 19. Even among [...]