Hiking and camping could look different this year after budget cuts

Soundside · May 4, 2026 · 19m

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…