State Parks at risk while they lose money

While it sounds like the state has probably ruled out closing some state parks as a response to the impending budget crisis, PEER reports that they aren't collecting revenue already due to them.

“Collecting rents is basic management 101, but that is a course our top folks evidently failed,” stated New Jersey PEER Director Bill Wolfe, a former state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) analyst, noting that utilities, oil companies and other big corporate players are not paying current market rates for use of state lands, facilities and right-of-ways. “Our parks can no longer afford corporate welfare.”

It certainly doesn't seem fair that NJ residents should lose their parks because of such basic mismanagement. On the other hand, a community that doesn't actively hold its government accountable will usually deserve the outcomes.