Many unknowns in merging Wash outdoor agencies

Washington's outdoor agencies already are struggling to maintain services because of steep budget cuts in the past two years, and officials say the harsh spending reductions again facing the Legislature might make it close to impossible.

They're scrambling for any new revenue, from donations to higher license fees to charging for access to state land. To be determined is how the public will take that, and how the state might pull off a shotgun marriage of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

"It's going to be a lot of tough, tough decisions for legislators and everyone else involved," said Fred Olson, chairman of the Fish and Wildlife Commission. "These are troubling times."