Yesterday it was announced that Washington’s Department of Natural Resources may have to close more than 20 trails and campgrounds. The state is strapped for cash and unless the DNR can obtain the $276,000 in general funding money to keep trails open, residents will see some of the most popular trailheads closed.

Outdoors advocacy groups plan to lobby the legislature, in an attempt to keep the areas open to the public. Among the proposed closures are the heavily trafficked Mount Si and Little Si (over 500,000 hikers per year, combined). The proposal has already created quite a reaction; Jonathan Guzzo, the advocacy director for the Washington Trails Association said in a statement to the press, “Losing public access to these areas for even a season would be a disaster.” State Senator Ken Jacobsen (D-Seattle) believes that public outcry and the demand for action will send a message to state legislators.

However, the DNR has already had 50% of its budget cut and only has enough funding to keep trails open until March. Without additional funding, they will have no other choice but to close trailheads. In connection with this crisis is a bill being presented to the state house that would grant DNR the authority to charge fees for recreational use of trailheads, parking, as well as allow private concessionaires a pilot program on state land.

For the full list of trail closures being proposed, check out the article on KING 5 TV’s website.