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Dear Editor;
In 2015, the governor eliminated $4.7 million in state support for the state parks operating budget and required that the parks' operations become self-sustaining. Only about 39% of state park operating expenses are paid for with park-generated revenue, and Wisconsin's state park system is unique in the nation as one attempting to operate by being self-funded. Our state parks receive the lowest share of the state's total operating budget of any state in the country.
It was State Senator Marklein (17th District) who led the way during the 2015-16 state budget session to implement these changes by using what Marklein calls "private sector strategies." It was he who authored a motion giving the DNR the authority to raise admission and camping fees without approval from the legislature. The state's public lands, intended for use by all Wisconsin residents regardless of class, ought to be there for everybody, but fee increases will inevitably squeeze out low-income residents, depriving them of their right to enjoy the natural beauty, recreation, and the value of conservation on their public lands.
Some parks, particularly those in the north, are valuable even if not self-sustaining. One value is a boost in tourism, benefiting local businesses like gas stations, restaurants, and lodging. As Wisconsin's parks become among the most expensive, tourism dollars will be negatively affected. Another benefit not profit-related is the parks' importance to ecosystems in proximity to the parks: flood control, water purification, water fowl nesting areas, food webs.
And can a privatized park system reasonably maintain an aging and decaying park infrastructure, much of it built in the 1930s, 1960s, and 1970s? The state of Texas tried a model called "Entrepreneurial Budgeting" to fund both operations and capital development of its state parks system. But that budgeting mechanism could not keep up repair and maintenance expenses without pricing people right out of the parks. Over the long term, no state park system has been able to fund both operations and capital development through park revenue alone.
Kriss Marion, candidate for the 17th District Senate seat, loves the experiences she can enjoy at her own nearby state park, Yellowstone Lake. As the owner of a bed and breakfast, she's well aware of the tourism value to her community. She says, "As State Senator, I will hold the line on fees and fight to keep state parks public, staffed, and safe from corporate buy-outs. Wisconsin's rich legacy of such working-class wonders made us a world-class recreation destination. We can rebuild that reputation and win our Wisconsin back." Kriss Marion has my vote.
Marilyn Martin
Richland Center