Finally, some good news about state parks. Several Idaho state parks will not be closing because of budget cuts proposed by Idaho governor Butch Otter.

The Idaho Parks and Recreation board has unanimously voted to reconsider its decision to close Dworshak Park in North Idaho. The decision also means Thousand Springs and Land of the Yankee Fork state parks will come off the closure list.

The proposal to cut the budget of state parks doesn't make any sense. Why slash funding to an agency that generates $40 million annually to local communities? Talk about eliminating a cash cow.

Closing state parks and possibly handing them over to counties jeopardizes income from tourism and could have the parks go into disrepair because counties can't afford to maintain them. Look what happened at Packer John Park near New Meadows. It used to be a state park but was turned over to Adams County. The financially strapped county has been having a difficult time maintaining the scenic and historic park and it is in disrepair.

Idaho has 30 incredible state parks and to lose them because of ill-conceived proposals for budget cuts makes no sense.

The state parks board directed the Department of Parks and Recreation staff to find a way to keep all 30 state parks open, despite Otter's poor plan to phase out state general-fund support for parks.

Here are some thoughts I have been receiving from readers who are concerned about preserving our state parks:

- They attract tourists who would not otherwise be paying sales and gasoline taxes in Idaho.

- It is a legitimate function of government to set aside public land for public enjoyment.

- If state parks are forced to raise fees to the point where people quit visiting them, it will not be good for the economy of the state. Even resident campers spend money at small town service stations, cafes, grocery stores and hunting and fishing shops.

- State parks host thousands of school kids each year for free on field trips, which is a valuable way of teaching kids about conservation and the outdoors.

- Getting state parks to pay for themselves seems like a fine idea, but it has not worked in a single state park system in the country. Anyway, you have to invest money in parks to make money from the parks.

- Also, about the state agency. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation does much more than just run state parks.  It is the only agency in state government that advocates for recreation. It has a role in almost every recreation facility on federal, state and utility company property in Idaho.

Is it time to find more funding sources to keep these services going?  
Several readers were tossing out other funding methods. If we need to generate more funding for state parks, instead of through raising entrance and camping fees, why not try:

- A minimal excise tax on sporting goods and other outdoors equipment with funds going back into maintenance and development of state parks. It could replace the proposed cutbacks in general funds.

- How about a state parks license plate with proceeds going to state parks? People would love this one.

Idaho's state parks are too valuable to lose or let go in disrepair.

Maybe Gov. Otter and state legislators should take a hike. Oh, at Bruneau Dunes State Park.

Photo: Bruneau Dunes State Park by Pete Zimowsky/Idaho Statesman