Legislature could take ax to Camp Floyd

FAIRFIELD — If the state parks budget is cut as recommended by the Legislature's Natural Resources Appropriations subcommittee — it could mean Utah County would lose the Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park.

Jeff Packer, Utah State Parks board chairman, said the park in Fairfield would be among 11 parks that simply could not remain operational.

The list of parks and their annual budgets being evaluated for closure include:

• Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park in Utah County — $91,700

• East Canyon State Park in Morgan County — $82,500

• Green River State Park in Emery County — $260,800

• Huntington State Park in Emery County — $73,300

• Hyrum State Park in Cache County — $70,100

• Iron Mission State Park Museum in Iron County — $188,400

• Otter Creek State Park in Piute County — $38,100

• Piute State Park in Piute County — $11,900

• Quail Creek State Park in Washington County — $111,300

• Scofield State Park in Carbon County — $111,700

• Starvation State Park in Duchesne County — $44,500

Packer said the proposed cuts came as a surprise and he fears subcommittee members are not taking into account inflation and rising operational costs.

"Since 2002, Utah State Parks has suffered a 19 percent decrease in general fund appropriations," Packer said. "In response to four years of budget cuts, Utah State Parks has eliminated 30 positions, maximized operational efficiency, increased fees, discontinued offering free park access to seniors and closed or transferred (to local jurisdiction) three state parks."

Packer said budget cuts to Utah State Parks and Recreation appear greater as a percentage of budget than cuts being proposed for other state agencies. Because parks were closed just two years ago, the strategic plan for the agency did not anticipate additional closures so soon.