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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources announced today that it is making cuts to cope with a nearly 39% reduction in state appropriations and a 24% loss of revenue.

Georgia parks are being hit with steep budget cuts just before the summer recreation time.

“A list of 12 historic sites that will have reduced operating hours. There will be five state parks that we will be limiting access to a number of amenities but we will be having to reduce the access days and times to the public,” said Director of Georgia State Parks, Recreations and Historical Sites Becky Kelley.

On top of that, 12% of the state parks and recreation work force is set to be eliminated and the Department of Natural Resources are implementing furloughs for most departmental employees.

“For a lot of people the cost of living has increased and salaries have certainly stagnated and the loss of a days pay is gonna be hurtful to a lot of their personal bank accounts,” said Conservation Ranger Captain Jeff Swift.

For more about the restructuring plan visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org