Snow Cabin / Ahtanum Meadows Closure

[Grumpy]

I got a DNR e-mail showing Snow Cabin and Ahtanum Meadows are getting reduced services and was told they maybe even closed.

http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/amr_ ... 063009.pdf

http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/amr_ ... 063009.jpg


DNR wrote:
Hi folks,

I appreciate the input I received from many of you regarding reduced services at some of DNR’s recreation sites. I understand, appreciate, and share your frustration.

Unfortunately, this week we began reducing services at many of our facilities. You will find the list of these sites, their legislative district, cost savings information, and a timeline on DNR’s Web site at: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/amr_ ... 063009.pdf


You can also download a map showing the affected sites at:

· http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/amr_ ... 063009.pdf (1.9 MB PDF file)

· http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/amr_ ... 063009.jpg (1.9 MB JPG file)


The hard truth is that we can no longer support all our facilities and trails with our current budget. Our new fiscal year begins July 1, and we need to take immediate action and cut back on services in some areas or run the risk of compounding the budget shortfall later this year.

Reduced services will include removing outhouses or nailing doors shut and removing picnic tables, garbage cans, and signs. Some sites that were open year round will now only be open seasonally. In other areas, we are able to keep from reducing services thanks to donations of volunteer time and money from user groups.

Many of you have offered ideas on how to keep these facilities operating. These suggestions reflect how deeply you are committed to working with us to ensure that recreational opportunities are available in this state. We want to continue the dialog with you and look into ways to continue to provide facilities at our recreation areas.

Public lands still open to the public

You may have noticed by now that I am no longer using the term “closure,â€