Idaho has always been noted for its natural resources.

But as state budgets sag, the agencies tasked with managing and preserving those resources have been among the hardest hit by the latest round of general-fund holdbacks, announced in September by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter.

A new round of layoffs reported this week, combined with past cuts, seem certain to hamper the state's oversight of water issues, resource preservation and other environmental duties. Agencies charged with such work were all ordered to slice 7.5 percent from their current appropriations; only the Department of Fish and Game, which relies on fees and federal grants, wasn't touched.

The Idaho Department of Water Resources lost 16 jobs in the past month, including its public information officer, and has frozen 11 vacant positions. The Department of Environmental Quality let go 10 people, building on seven layoffs last year and about 25 frozen, vacant positions. At the Department of Lands, layoffs included four full-time employees and two temporary fire-bureau employees. And the Department of Parks and Recreation has now dropped one-fourth of its seasonal staff over the past year.

Only a $500,000 contribution from the Idaho Water Resource Board prevented further cuts to full-time employees at IDWR, Interim Director Gary Spackman said. Counting frozen positions and six layoffs last year, he said his agency has lost at least 15 percent of its workforce and will have to shrink or shutter some services.

Some vital programs such as dam safety may have to carry on full of holes, he said.

"I look at that as a program that's essential," Spackman said. "I just can't discard it."

Parks' seasonal cuts have left similar holes: Places with large visitor centers like Three Island Crossing State Park are seeing their hours reduced, and partner agencies are being approached about chipping in a bit more, said spokeswoman Jennifer Wernex. But in a bit of good news, only half of the department's 12 vacancies are being held open. "Mission-essential" positions being filled include the south region manager, whose responsibilities include Thousand Springs State Park in the western Magic Valley.

Six of DEQ's layoffs were full-time, classified positions, while one of the temporary workers was an engineer in the Twin Falls office. All full-time employees must also take 32 hours of unpaid time off in the 2010 fiscal year, said agency spokesman Jess Byrne.

DEQ already cancelled a summer program using seasonal help to monitor various streams and water bodies, work it had done for 10 or 12 years. Administrators also replaced their entire planning division with just one person, a former regional administrator who has since had to take up some administrative duties again.

With future cuts possible, Lands officials have prioritized the services they offer in advance of any future cuts, said Patrick Hodges, division administrator for support services. Life, health and safety issues are at the forefront - including firefighting work - and endowment managers are working to battle sagging land prices and maximize the state's investment returns.

Not every agency is in the same dire straits. Idaho State Department of Agriculture Chief of Staff Pam Juker said her department does not expect any layoffs, program cuts or even more furloughs because dedicated funds have been available to cover affected general-fund expenses.