State Agency Faces Cuts, Could Close Some Local Campgrounds and Trails

In a funding one-pager released by the agency, DNR officials said recreation maintenance and operations funding was reduced by more than $7 million during the 2025 legislative session, a cut of more than 20%. 

The governor’s proposed 2026 operating budget includes an additional $750,000 in annual reductions. According to DNR officials, the agency manages 3.1 million acres of public lands that see roughly 20 million visits each year and support 237,000 jobs statewide. The agency oversees 1,300 miles of trails, more than 200 recreation sites, and 80 free campgrounds.

The agency noted that the cuts have eliminated funding used to purchase time from the Washington Conservation Corps and other corps programs. Those crews accounted for nearly half of DNR’s field capacity for trail and campground maintenance.

“At current staffing levels, DNR recreation has just 60 field staff statewide, roughly one staff member per 21.6 miles of trail, 50,000 acres, or 333,000 visitors,” the one-pager stated.

The agency warned that continued reductions could create safety concerns for hikers, bikers, campers, and other users. Potential impacts include unsafe trail conditions due to storm damage and illegal dumping, reduced cleaning of trailheads and restrooms, and a growing backlog of maintenance that will become more expensive over time. These are typically addressed by conservation corps crews and recreation maintenance funding, DNR officials said.

Campgrounds and recreation sites may face late openings, reduced services, or full closures if additional funding is not restored, DNR officials said.