I’ve been following the ups and downs (mostly downs) of Governor Schwarzenegger’s efforts to cut funds for California State Parks and thus reduce our opportunities to hike the trails in those parks. The governor has the power of the line-item veto and he used it to reduce another $6 million from the California State Parks budget.
Here’s what the California State Parks Foundation press release says:
SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, the Governor signed a revised Fiscal Year 2009-2010 state budget, based on the package of bills sent to him by the Legislature on July 24. In using his blue-pencil veto authority, the Governor exacted an additional $6.2 million cut to the state park system, bringing the total General Fund cut to $14.2 million. It is expected (and referenced in the Governor’s budget summary) that more than 100 state parks will be closed. Below is a statement of the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) on the Governor’s veto.
Statement of Elizabeth Goldstein, CSPF President
“This is a dark day in the history of California’s state park system. At a time when Californians are most in need of their low cost, accessible state parks, the gates are being slammed in their faces. At a time when local businesses, particularly in rural communities, most rely on tourism and park visitation for their own economic stimulus, the doors are being shut to them. In the context of an $85 billion General Fund budget, the $14.2 million in “savings” that would come from closing more than 100 state parks is truly a drop in the bucket. But it’s a small drop that will have a ripple effect, then a tsunami, for park visitors and local economies.
Closing more than one-third of the state park system cannot be done without real consequences to Californians. Although CSPF and other park partners are already trying to identify ways to keep some parks open, it will simply not be possible for the state to walk away from 100 parks and expect others to fully substitute for its public responsibility. California’s state parks have been teetering on the brink of a funding cliff for several decades, this action now pushes them over the edge. California cannot afford for its state parks to be a political football every year. Our state parks desperately need a dedicated funding source to protect them from these now-annual budget actions.”
###
About SOS
The Save Our State Parks (SOS) Campaign is a statewide, grassroots campaign to keep California’s magnificent state parks open. In partnership with organizations, businesses, local governments, and individuals around the state, the California State Parks Foundation is leading SOS Campaign activities and generating awareness and action about budget proposals that would result in unacceptable park closures. For more information visit www.savestateparks.org
About CSPF
With our 100,000 members, the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) is the only statewide independent nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting, enhancing and advocating for California’s magnificent state parks. CSPF is committed to improving the quality of life for all Californians by expanding access to the natural beauty, rich culture and history, and recreational and educational opportunities offered by California’s 279 state parks-the largest state park system in the United States. For more information about California’s state parks, visit www.calparks.org
How do you feel about the hit to state parks?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I am a strong advocate of a well maintained and managed state park system. At this time I am not familiar with the parks that will be closed but I hope that the parks that are affected are the ones the receive mininal use. If there are parks that have limited attraction for visitors and consequently do not attract many visitors then perhaps they should be looked at carefully. The state park system is one of California’s great assets and when California residents are staying closer to home for their short and long vacations the state parks are a wonderful place to visit and spend quality time. I hope that the Governor has some understanding of the parks that may be closed.
Twitter: @TheJohnSoares
Richard, I too hope the government does what it can to minimize the impact on Californians and visitors.
Both the government and park advocacy groups are looking at ways that private citizens and groups and perhaps local governments can pitch in to help keep some parks open.