DNR Budget Cuts Threaten Campground Closures in Clallam County

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The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is facing ongoing and proposed funding cuts that could result in the closure of two campgrounds in Clallam County - Bear Creek Campground and Lyre River Campground. The agency says recreation maintenance and operations funding was cut by more than $7 million during the 2025 legislative session, a reduction of over 20 percent, with additional cuts proposed in the 2026 state budget. These reductions have eliminated funding for Washington Conservation Corps crews, who previously provided nearly half of DNR's trail and campground maintenance capacity, leaving the agency with just 60 field staff statewide to manage millions of acres of public land.

Why it matters

The potential campground closures and reduced access to public lands in Clallam County would negatively impact the region's outdoor recreation and tourism industries, which are important economic drivers for the local community. The cuts also raise concerns about the long-term maintenance and preservation of the state's natural resources.

The details

The proposed funding cuts would eliminate funding for Washington Conservation Corps crews, who previously provided nearly half of DNR's trail and campground maintenance capacity. As a result, DNR now has just 60 field staff statewide to manage millions of acres of public land, leading to concerns about unsafe trail conditions and reduced access for hikers and campers across the North Olympic Peninsula.

• The 2025 legislative session saw a reduction of over 20 percent in DNR's recreation maintenance and operations funding, cutting more than $7 million.
• Additional cuts to DNR's budget have been proposed for the 2026 state budget.

What’s next

DNR is urging lawmakers to restore recreation funding in order to keep public lands open and accessible for hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.