Washington State Parks Department will slash 83 of its 189 ranger jobs by February, because fewer people than expected are forking over $30 for a new Discovery Pass that was supposed to make up a huge shortfall in state funding, according to a report by NWCN.com.
Department leaders attributed the decision to steep budget cuts and a tough economy that has caused residents to reduce their use of parks. Park fees and sales of the state's new $30 Discover Pass, which entitles owners access to state parks for a year, are coming in below projections.
