Newsletter of the lssaquah Alps Trails Club eALPINER January February • March 2011
SQUAK MOUTAIN FACES CLOSURE EXPLORE DNR. By Doug Simpson WITH A PASS?
Squak Mountain State Park will Other parks likely to be closed Seeking cash to maintain programs likely be shut down in 2011, due to are Federation Forest, Fort Ward, in cash-strapped Washington State, the state's massive budgetary crisis. Flaming Geyser, Peshastin Pinnacles the Washington Department of Mothballing a park, however, does and Tolmie. Natural Resources (DNR) and the not mean that it is inaccessible. Washington Department of Fishenes Squak Mountain holds 1,545 acres of Hikers can still gain access to the park and Wildlife (WDFD) may impose wildland in the center of the Issaquah and its trails, but it will be lacking in a pass system next year if the state Alps. Reportedly, it cost $61,844 supervision and maintenance. legislature approves the "Explore to maintain the Squak State Park in Washington Pass." "We will not have a regular presence 2009, while it generated only $423 said Rich Benson, manager Under the plan, the state would Wf the Lake Sammamish State Park "People are going to go into the sell an annual vehicle use permit for (overseer of the Squak Mountain $40 and $5 for fishing and hunting park). "But we still have to protect closed parks," Virginia Porter of the Washington State Parks and licenses or watchable wildlife the property," he said. "We'll check packages. Shorter passes of $10 for parking areas periodically and Recreation stated. "But we don't fully recommend it, because they're one day, $15 for two days or $20 for respond to problems that we become three days might be available. aware of." not going to have any services there. There's no one that's going to be able It is estimated that this pass system The May Valley parking area and t6 help them if they have problems." would generate $5.5 million annually restrooms will be shut down. And, to be split between DNR and WDFW unfortunately, Squak ranger Heather Though services at Squak Mountain to be used for land management, Hansen will likely be laid off. "She State Park will be reduced, "we're operations, maintenance and is a valuable member of our staff," not going to go up there and boot enforcement. Benson said. "We'll hate to lose people out who are walking the her." trails," Benson said. "With this funding, both agencies With the state facing a shortfall would be able to maintain existing exceeding $3 billion, Washington programs and add additional State Parks, already having cut ten recreational trails and facilities," per cent of its budget, now must cut according to Mark Mauren, DNR's nearly $7 million more, resulting in assistant district manager. he closure of at least six parks and 10.5 jobs. The Explore Washington passes would be affixed to the vehicles for access to the lands. CLUB FOUNDER I Harvey Manning Whenever possible, please 41 PRESIDENT use e-mail to contact any Steve Williams • 453-8997. [email protected]