At a time when state recreational facilities are seeing an 11 percent increase in visitors, the department is cutting staff and pinching every penny.

The hours and programs at Bruneau Dunes observatory have been slashed because there just isn't staff to run the programs, and at popular Treasure Valley parks like Eagle Island and Lucky Peak, managers will have to decide where to trim.

Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Merrill says her department's mission remains the same: "Take care of the parks and natural resources and serve the public. ... We intend to continue serving the public in the ways that we always have."

But the financial realities the department faces will make that mission a challenge. Gov. Butch Otter has imposed a series of holdbacks - the latest at 7.5 percent - amounting to more cuts than most other agencies have seen.

All told, the department has had to cut nearly $3 million in 2009. More cuts are expected for fiscal year 2010 as state tax revenues continue to fall well short of projections.

To make ends meet, the agency is in the process of raising motor vehicle entry fees from $4 to $5.

"We think that is something that will be digestible to our visiting public," said department spokeswoman Jennifer Wernex. "We also understand that people are hurting financially, and we want our state parks to be places that they can come enjoy affordably."

Seasonal workers - the people who check in campers and boaters, collect fees and trash and clean bathrooms - have been reduced by 25 percent.

A dozen of the department's permanent positions are vacant, and more than half will likely be held that way for the long term, Wernex said.

Managers are reeling back mowing schedules and restocking bathrooms just once a day. Visitor center hours are being cut or eliminated, Wernex said.

"In a park like Eagle Island, where there are so few staff, they are doing all they can to keep the grass mowed and maintain safety," Wernex said. "They can only get in there the clean the restrooms once. Our customers will see that."

After staff and operating budget cuts, the department is also forced to take a look at the properties they manage, and who owns them. Park board members and Merrill are eyeing which properties can be shut down - if necessary.

For example, Dworshak State Park near Orofino is managed by the state but is owned by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Officials may be looking for some form of cost-sharing agreement with the Corps, Wernex said.

"Our mission is to make sure that recreational opportunity remains available," she said. "We are looking at property ownership, we are looking at visitation, we are looking at other nearby facilities."

Kathleen Kreller: 377-6418