Washington State To Close 13 State Parks In 2009

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.

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