COOK FOREST, Pa. (EYT) – Just as county governments, school districts, and numerous other social service agencies have expressed concerns over budget cuts in a proposed state budget, the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation expressed its alarm this week over a possible 16 percent cut to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and that could mean cuts for state parks such as Cook Forest State Park.
(Photo: Cook Forest Park Manager talks with Assistant Manager Jessica Stewart.)
“The amenities that serve as tourism and economic engines for the commonwealth are threatened by current budget proposals,” wrote Foundation president Marci Mowery in a June 20 letter to members urging them to voice their concern.
“Pennsylvania HB 218 is a giant step backwards as it relates to operating our state lands. Our back of the envelope calculations indicate that HB 218 cuts the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources by 16 percent over what we estimate to be the cost to carry budget. This 16 percent translates into $60 million less than necessary to manage our parks and forests. This loss would deal a blow to a state agency that, research has shown, returns more than $12 for every $1 invested.”
Asked by exploreClarion.com on Wednesday afternoon about the kind of cutbacks Cook Forest could be facing, DCNR Press Secretary Terry Brady said there are not site-specific projections, and it is still a proposed budget.
“We have nothing site specific matching possible cuts for our state parks,” said Brady. “Our secretary (Cindy Adams Dunn) has said willingly and openly to different groups if indeed the entanglements of the proposed state budget go through, it could be lean times for all of our state parks. As it trickles down to state parks, it could mean a curtailment of hours when staff is available and curtailment of educational programs, but that’s applied to all of our 121 state parks, and there’s nothing site specific yet; but, it would include tightening belts another notch or two or three, and that is what the secretary is concerned about. There would be a curtailment of certain public services.”
John Straitiff, executive director of Pennsylvania Great Outdoors, said he does not have specific DCNR information, but budget cutbacks could result in decreases in tourism.
“Cuts in funding can be scary, and we already have some of our parks in need of repairs, and I know staffing is already an issue,” said Straitiff. “As far as further cuts, I would be worried about cuts in services.”
Mowery speculated what HB 218 could mean for our state parks and forests and offered the following bullet point:
- Severe understaffing in park and forest operations. Our park and forest staff keep our parks clean, safe, and accommodating. Without adequate staffing, who will respond when there is a safety issue?
- Shortened camping seasons, potentially removing shoulder seasons that accommodate anglers and hunters. Cutting shoulder seasons means fewer dollars invested in local economies and less opportunities for engaging in this traditional Pennsylvania pursuit.
- Significantly reduced access to overnight accommodations of all kinds, meaning fewer people to shop or dine at local businesses.
- Reduced visitor center hours in state parks to answer visitor questions and provided needed information and guidance.
- Reduction in ranger patrols in forests and parks, which reduces the feeling of safety.
- Reduction in trails, road maintenance, dam inspections.
- Staff shortages for the high-risk fire season—Pennsylvania is prone to wildfires, most of which are human induced.
“Reducing investment in state parks and forests impacts surrounding communities,” continued Mowery. “In a study by Penn State, it was found that direct contribution of visitor spending to the state economy was $628.7 million in sales; 9,435 jobs; $227.2 million in labor income; and $360.5 million in value added effects. The outdoor industry estimates that outdoor recreation generates $21.5 billion in consumer spending, $7.2 billion in wages and salaries, $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue, and creates 219,000 jobs.”
She suggests people with similar concerns should contact their state house and senate representatives. She also has a petition available on Change.Org.
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