Hiking and camping could look different this year after budget cuts episode artwork

EPISODE · May 4, 2026 · 19 MIN

Hiking and camping could look different this year after budget cuts

from Soundside · host KUOW News and Information

This year, Washington cut more than $500,000 from the state’s Department of Natural Resources.  These budget cuts are going to mean campground closures, less trail maintenance and dirtier bathrooms at a lot of popular trailheads.  Many are wondering how it’ll impact their outdoors time, because the Department of Natural Resources maintains a lot of land.  We checked in with The Mountaineers to hear how they're feeling about these cuts.... and then we called up the Department of Natural Resources to figure out what all this means for outdoor recreation.  Guests: Tom Vogl, CEO of The Mountaineers  Dave Upthegrove, Commissioner of Public Lands   Related links:  State Budget Cuts Prompt DNR to Reduce Recreation Services | Department of Natural Resources Popular I-90 trailheads, bathrooms will feel budget crunch, WA says | The Seattle Times The Mountaineers - Explore, Learn, Conserve   WA Department of Natural Resources to close four campgrounds after lawmakers cut funding | Washington State Standard Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Washington cut more than $500,000 from the state’s Department of Natural Resources, which means campground closures, less trail maintenance and dirtier bathrooms at some of your favorite trailheads.

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Hiking and camping could look different this year after budget cuts

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