GA budget hits state parks

from today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution (8/22):

August 22, 2008 Friday
Budget cuts could close 13 state parks, sites;
Natural Resources board votes on proposals next week. Most won't affect public.
STACY SHELTON; Staff

"Up to 13 state parks and historic sites could close or curtail their hours under budget cuts proposed by the Department of Natural Resources.

DNR Commissioner Noel Holcomb would not name the spots.

Like every other state agency, the DNR identified cuts of 6 percent, 8 percent and 10 percent to help close the state's budget gap of at least $1.6 billion. In the worst scenario, more than 200 of the department's 3,000 employees will be affected through layoffs, shuffling jobs to different locations or outsourcing, spokeswoman Beth Brown said.

Most reductions can be made without impacting the public, Holcomb said. He already has curtailed travel, and the department will not buy new cars or trucks any time soon. Other cuts will be noticed.

In addition to shuttering some parks and historic sites, DNR will withdraw its workers from all federally owned wildlife management areas in North Georgia, including those in the Chattahoochee and Oconee national forests. Hunters still will have access.

Next summer, no swimming pools in state parks will open. The newly built Suwanee River Eco-Lodge in South Georgia won't open --- at least for now. The energy-efficient lodge is a source of pride for the state park system." ....

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