The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department warns that 18 state parks may close if lawmakers don't spare the agency from mandatory budget cuts ordered by Gov. Rick Perry.
Agency Director Robert Cook also hinted at the loss of 44 full-time jobs and $4 million in cutbacks at local parks.
Cook said the cutbacks may be necessary if the parks department complies with Perry's request for state agencies to trim budgets by 10 percent. The agency must submit its new appropriations request to lawmakers next month.
A spokeswoman for Perry said the governor opposes the shutdown of historical sites, but that the agency should consider options for parks that receive few visitors.
Texas ranks 49 among the 50 states in per capita spending on parks. The agency's current budget is $56 million.
