DURANGO — Budget cuts to the San Juan National Forest budget are forcing officials to consider major changes to campgrounds, trails and other recreation sites.
The Forest Service has watched the recreation budget for the San Juan National Forest drop since 2006 when it was $2.5 million. Local Forest Service officials expect it will hit $1.7 million in 2018.
San Juan National Forest recreation leader Brian White says campground closures, trail closures, new campground fees and changes to services in the forest likely will be necessary to make workloads manageable.
The San Juan National Forest includes 127 developed recreation sites and about 1,800 miles of trails.
According to the Durango Herald (http://tinyurl.com/lxcfq4x ), there are also about $3 million in deferred maintenance needs.
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Information from: Durango Herald, http://www.durangoherald.com
