Ten former Rhode Island directors of the Department of Environmental Management are calling for increased state funding for the state’s parks, beaches and public lands.
In a letter to state lawmakers, the directors cite, “critical deficiencies in funding for the management and improvement of Rhode Island’s magnificent system” of parks and beaches.
They assert that management of public lands and parks is, ’’now so gravely underfunded that that the quality of our parks and the park experience for visitors and residents are noticeably declining despite the best efforts of the DEM staff.”
They note that full time staffing of the state park system has dropped from 123 to 42 since 1989 and cite a study that shows a backlog of capital improvements to state parks and beaches of at least $50 million.
The Ocean State’s parks and beaches attract more than 9 million visitors per year and produce almost $39 million annually in tax revenue.
“Given these numbers, our remarkable state park system is in jeopardy unless steps are taken to reverse these trends,’ stated the letter.
The directors are requesting that lawmakers appropriate money to increase the Division of Parks personnel by eight positions this year and 16 positions to be added over the next four years. They are also calling for fees collected at state campgrounds and beaches be treated as dedicated income to support the park system, rather than draining that money off to support other budget items.
“Rhode Island’s state parks and beaches are enjoyed by Rhode Islanders today, and, we believe, it is our obligation to pass these magnificent resources in good condition onto the next generation of Rhode Islanders,” the letter stated. “With current funding levels, this will not happen.”
The missive was signed by former DEM directors from as far back as the late Gov. J. Joseph Garrahy’s Administration. They are: W. Edward Wood, Bob Bendick, Mike Annarummo, Louise Durfee, Tim Keeney, Fred Vincent, Andy McLeod, George Welly, Jan Reitsma and W. Michael Sullivan.
