May 22, 2009 5:15 pm US/Eastern
Budget Cuts To Leave State Parks, Forest Unstaffed
Cuts Mean No Bathrooms, Swimming Areas Or Parking At Some Locations
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Budget cuts will leave several state forests and parks unstaffed this summer, the Department of Conservation and Recreation said Friday.
The parks and forests will remain open, but the parking lots and restrooms will not be available to visitors.
The cuts will also close swimming areas at some ponds because no lifeguards will be on duty.
The areas affected include Ashland State Park and Berry Pond in Andover. (See below for a full list of closures)
"It is unfortunate that this agency will not be able to keep all our parks and forests fully staffed this season," said DCR Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan Jr. "But in these difficult and trying economic times, we remain committed to offering recreational opportunities to everyone."
The DCR plans to have about 330 fewer seasonal staff members this year than last, a 15 percent cut.
These DCR parks will not be staffed this summer:
- Ashland State Park, Ashland: DCR recommends nearby Hopkinton State Park in Hopkinton.
- Chester Blandford State Forest, Chester/Blandford: DCR recommends Tolland State Forest in East Otis.
- Lake Lorraine State Park, Springfield: DCR recommends nearby Chicopee Memorial State Park in Chicopee Falls.
- Streeter Point Recreation Area, Sturbridge: DCR recommends Chicopee Memorial State Park in Chicopee Falls.
- Windsor State Forest, Windsor: DCR recommends nearby Savoy Mountain State Forest
Swimming will not be allowed in these DCR ponds this summer:
- Berry Pond in Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover: DCR recommends Salisbury Beach State Reservation in Salisbury.
- Dean Pond in Brimfield State Forest, Brimfield: DCR recommends Chicopee Memorial State Park in Chicopee Falls.
- Fearings Pond in Myles Standish State Forest, Plymouth: DCR recommends College Pond in Myles Standish State Forest.
Closed campgrounds:
- The campground at Massasoit State Park in Taunton will be closed this summer to accommodate electrical repairs. Special interpretive programming will be available. Camping is available at nearby Myles Standish State Forest in Plymouth
Before traveling to a specific destination, park visitors are encouraged to check the
DCR Web site for further information or call the listed park number.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Comments