Democrats blast DNR report that proposes raising fees at state parks, selling naming rights

MADISON — Wisconsin Democrats are blasting a Department of Natural Resources report that proposes raising state park fees and selling naming rights to park facilities.


The current state budget removed all state support for the parks, leaving them to survive on admission, camping and trail fees. The move has resulted in a projected $1.4 million shortfall in the parks account.

The DNR sent the Legislature's budget committee a report that examines raising admission and camping fees, charging more to get into more popular parks and selling naming rights.

The four Democrats on the committee sent DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp a letter Monday saying those options could make the parks unaffordable for families and selling names won't close the deficit.