The public deserves a state budget that will preserve our state parks. Natural and historic resources are being destroyed by neglect due to lack of funding and maintenance, which is irresponsible and shameful.
The Senate drastically underfunds parks in their budget – resulting in an additional cut of 100 positions (17 percent staff reduction), on top of the 40 percent staff reduction during the past three years. As a park ranger, I am not able to provide the quality experience to park visitors that I was able to prior to 2012.
At Beacon Rock State Park, we no longer have a dedicated customer service position, phone calls and in-person customer needs go unmet, and we've seen an increase in criminal activity and vandalism. Parks are significant economic drivers, especially in rural areas with limited economic opportunities that attract paying customers.
Parks are the backbone of commerce for their communities, providing customers for local businesses. If parks fails to put forth an attractive product, local economies will lose out. Republicans would rather decimate our state parks than ask the wealthy and profitable corporations to pay their fair share.
This downward spiral is heartbreaking and must be stopped. Please fund state parks.
Vivian Spidle
Washougal
