DENVER—Colorado park managers are hoping to cushion the impact of budget cuts by limiting closures and hours at some parks.
The National Park Service, which runs 12 parks, monuments, historical sites and a recreation area in the state, is trimming $134 million from its national budget.
Under the current plan, the state’s four parks will be hiring fewer permanent and seasonal workers, closing campgrounds and reducing hours for visitor centers.
Colorado tourism manager Al White tells the Denver Post ( ) the state is not planning any aggressive efforts to counter potential declines in public-land vacationers this summer.
“Maybe a few campgrounds will be closed? I don’t think that will impede anyone’s desire to come to Colorado,” said White, who said visitors to national parks also have a major financial impact on nearby communities.
The National Park Service’s annual study of economic benefits from national park visitors released last month showed the nearly 6 million visitors who toured the service’s four Colorado parks, five monuments, two historic sites and one recreation area in 2011 spent more than $330 million and supported about 4,800 jobs.
The Bureau of Land Management has yet to outline impacts, but it is working to trim more than $5 million from its $100 million Colorado budget, bureau spokesman Steven Hall said.
Mesa Verde National Park is reducing its budget by $335,000, but park spokeswoman Betty Lieurance said park leaders will try to reduce the impact on visitors. The park has left several full-time permanent positions unfilled, delayed new hiring and trimmed its vehicle fleet.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is cutting $113,000. Park superintendent Lisa Carrico said she will likely cut seasonal hires by half. She also said there will be fewer special programs.
Superintendent Connie Rudd is planning to cut $82,000 from her Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park budget and $200,000 from the Curecanti National Recreation Area budget. Rudd warned that visitors who need medical assistance, rescue or crime response will wait longer.
Rocky Mountain National Park, which last year had 3.2 million visitors, is planning to cut $623,000 from its budget. The park might close the Moraine Park visitor center, which last summer drew 140,000 visitors. The park may also end interpretive programs and close the Glacier Basin Campground.
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Information from: The Denver Post,
