Montana's State Parks Need Budget Boost

Lone Pine State Park. Wayfarers. Wild Horse Island.

This scenic area is home to many of Montana’s most popular state parks.

Through September, more than 500,000 people visited state parks in Northwest Montana, a slight bump over last year, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks data.

Statewide, the system of public parks attracted 1.94 million people, 3 percent more than a year ago, meaning 2014 is on pace to be the fourth consecutive record-breaking year for visitation.

With a total of 55 public state parks, Montana has the largest parks system compared to neighboring states, including Idaho, Wyoming and South Dakota.

Yet the operating budget and staffing levels are among the lowest in the region, creating a dilemma for managers hoping to maintain resources and infrastructure.

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