Georgia State parks feel the pain as money dries up

[marmar]

from the ATL Journal-Constitution:


State parks feel the pain as money dries up
By STACY SHELTON

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge in the North Georgia mountains is one of the state’s most popular parks. More than 600,000 people visit every year.

They can climb a 604-step staircase to the top of the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. They can hike to the start of the Appalachian Trail. They can picnic, camp and stay at a comfortable lodge with soaring views.

Like other state agencies, Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites faces budget cuts of historic proportions. With revenues plummeting in the economic downturn, Gov. Sonny Perdue and legislative leaders want to cut at least $1.6 billion from the state’s $21-plus billion spending plan, approved in April.

Even state parks are on the line.

The 18-member Georgia Board of Natural Resources, appointed by Perdue, approved a plan Aug. 27 to close or reduce hours at up to seven historic sites and six state parks. The exact locations have not been determined. ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.ajc.com/services/content/metro/stories/2008/09/07/georgia_parks_budget.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=13

[hlthe2b]

1. Damn, that would be such a shame... They already sold

Stone Mountain, years ago.... That one pissed me off no end, but I haven't been there for a very long time, so perhaps it has worked out...:shrug: