Washington State Parks is threatening to close or transfer the operation of four parks that are popular paddling destinations and have Washington Water Trails Association (WWTA) campsites:  Kopachuck, Fay Bainbridge, Joemma Beach, and Fort Ward.  A total of 13 state parks face closures.

The problem is the proposed $10 Million budget reduction.  While other entities might take the parks over, counties and cities are in no better position to take on more financial burdens.

According to the Washington State Parks Commission, thirteen state parks would close under Gov. Christine Gregoire's proposed budget, although the state would ask local governments to take them over:

• Osoyoos Lake State Veteran's Memorial Park,
• Brooks Memorial Park,
• Schafer State Park,
• Bogachiel State Park,
• Tolmie State Park,
• Fay Bainbridge State Park,
• Fort Okanogan State Park,
• Wenberg State Park,
• Fort Ward State Park,
• Joemma Beach State Park,
• Kopachuck State Park,
• Lake Sylvia State Park, and
• Old Fort Townsend State Park.

Two other parks would close temporarily:  Squilchuck State Park, near Wenatchee, and Nolte State Park on Deep Lake in the Green River Gorge.  However, indications are that if further budget cuts become necessary more marine parks could be added to the proposed closures.

WWTA is lobbying on boaters' behalf about this issue, but all boaters need to be vocal about it.  Write the parks commission and your state legislators.  For a sample letter, and legislator contact information visit:  http://www.wwta.org/trails/CMT/closures.asp.

What these park closures could mean for boaters frequenting the South/Central Puget Sound is about 20 less mooring buoys and the loss of approximately 500' of public dock space, besides threatened closure of four Cascadia Marine Trail campsites. If other parks such as Jarrell Cove (not currently on the reduction list) were added, boaters could lose another 14 mooring buoys, 700' of public dock space, a marine pumpout station, and an additional water trail site.

One of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission's top priorities over the past several years has been to provide more services to boaters, as well as upgrading marine areas.  Many of these goals have been accomplished, including a new moorage system for Joemma Beach. Unfortunately, this new facility and the others listed, would no longer be kept open for the public by Washington State Parks if the proposed budget is passed into law.

For budget questions or concerns call the Legislative hotline at 1-800-562-6000, or contact Washington State Parks Headquarters at 360-902-8500.  For a list of upcoming Washington State Parks Commission meetings visit:  http://www.parks.wa.gov/commtg.asp.