Widespread Cuts to State Parks

As summer tourism gears up, expect higher fees and fewer services at Georgia's parks and historic sites. 12 percent of employees will lose their jobs, most of those left will be furloughed, five parks will limit access, and 12 historic sites will cut operational days. The state Department of Natural Resources is making the cuts to cope with a nearly 39 percent reduction in state appropriations and a 24 percent projected loss of revenue.

(Associated Press)

DNR Wants to Raise State Park Fees

The Department of Natural Resources wants to raise state park fees a couple dollars. Currently visiting Georgia state parks and historic sites cost to three dollars a day and $30 for an annual pass. The department proposes five dollars a day and $50 for a year.

Parking fees provides money for maintenance and repair projects at Georgia’s 63 parks and sites. A hearing to discuss the increase is April 6. The DNR will vote on it at its next meeting on April 29.

State parks could close

As many as 13 state parks could close or shorten hours because of Georgia's tough economy. The state Department of Natural Resources won't release the parks and historic sites under consideration for closing. The DNR will withdraw workers from all federally owned wildlife management areas in north Georgia, including those in the Chattahoochee and Oconee national forests. Next summer, no swimming pools in state parks will open.

U.S Army Corps sites in GA: 'no guns here'

The U.S Army Corps of Engineers clarified the state's new gun law to remind Georgians that concealed weapons are not allowed in the sites the Corps oversees. A brief statement issued Thursday clarifies that only law enforcement officers can carry loaded guns into the more than 100 campgrounds and recreation areas operated by the Corps in Georgia. Those parks include Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park in Marietta, some parks along the Chattahoochee River,and the parks and boat ramps owned by the Corps around some north Georgia lakes, including Lanier.

This week Governor Sonny Perdue signed into law the measure that allows those with concealed weapons permits to carry firearms into state parks, some restaurants and on public transportation. The law becomes effective July 1st.

State's parks deal with drought

State parks have been affected by the extreme drought that has its grip on north Georgia.

The system of 63 parks and historic sites has had to alter its water-use to meet Governor Sonny Perdue’s call for a 10-percent cut-down at all state facilities. Measures include no landscaping, cancelling jobs requiring power-washing, and installing some low-flow faucets.

Paul Nelson, assistant director of the state's parks system, says the lack of rain has affected Black Rock Mountain Park, in the northeast corner of the state, the most. Campers there have no water.

"The well that supplies the campground has actually gone dry, and we’re having what we call ‘dry camping’ at that park. All the campers are encouraged to bring their own water for their own personal use, and for their cooking".

Nelson says the drought has affected the parks’ system day visitation the most, as many boat ramps and docks are high-and-dry. Overnight visitors have been keeping their reservations for cottages and lodges.