The news that this year's combined budget for Moraine and McConnells Mill state parks has been cut is no surprise to anyone who is interested in the financial condition of the state government.

For most Pennsylvania residents, it has been impossible not to notice the fiscal pressures with which the Rendell administration and General Assembly have been dealing.

The stalemate over parts of the 2003-04 spending package was a glaring example of the tight money supply that greeted the end of the 2002-03 fiscal year. Meanwhile, economic uncertainties regarding the coming year have many state residents wary of what the future might hold.

Many entities that depend on money from the state budget are feeling the pinch that the current fiscal picture has presented. Money for public libraries was cut significantly for 2003-04, forcing some libraries to scale back hours or reduce staff.

While the 3 percent cut that Moraine and McConnells Mill are having to endure is significant, the reduction is not nearly as traumatic as it could have been.

Obie Derr, park operations manager, said he is unsure how another 3 percent cut anticipated for the 2004-05 fiscal year, which begins July 1, will affect park operations, if it in fact comes to pass. But changes were necessitated under the current year's budget, such as no lifeguards for the swimming area at Pleasant Valley Beach, closing of the Windy Knob Picnic Area on the north shore on weekdays, and hiring of some of the seasonal employees at both parks later than in past years.

Presumably, changes would be needed under any new cut implemented.

While a general belt-tightening is necessary until the state's fiscal situation improves, Gov. Ed Rendell and the legislature must keep in mind the needs of the state parks system.

Deteriorating conditions at some of the parks have been a concern for several decades, and further budget cuts can only pave the way for further deterioration.

That is not to say that the state government should emphasize parks upkeep over more important funding categories such as education. However, lawmakers and the governor must remain cognizant of the challenges facing the parks and do what they can to keep problems from growing worse.

Although not the state's most important entities, the parks are important resources nonetheless that many state residents - and even people from beyond the state's borders - enjoy.

They must project that importance by their appearance and upkeep.

Fortunately, Moraine and McConnells Mill are in capable hands and are resources of which people of Butler County and Western Pennsylvania can be proud. They project the pride that exists here.

Budget cuts must not force these or other parks to take too many steps backward.

- J.R.K.