Idaho’s state parks are thriving, just five years after Gov. Butch Otter proposed shutting down the parks department and eliminating funding. State funding for parks in Idaho is still less than half what it was in 2006, and that’s reflected in smaller staffs, a backlog of maintenance projects and reduced services during off-peak months. But all the parks have remained open, and they’re welcoming record numbers of visitors this summer for everything from camping to weddings to paddle-board rentals to disc golf/Betsy Russell, Eye on Boise. More here.

Also: Otter unhappy that Eye on Boise said he proposed shutting down parks department

Question: Why does Butch Otter hate the state's park system?

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