Gov proposes closing 48 state parks

In January, as part of his attempt to balance the $14 billion state deficit, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed cutting $13.3 million from the Department of Parks and Recreation general-fund budget in 2008 - 09. This reduction would mean closing 48 out of 278 state parks and reducing the number of lifeguards at 14 state beaches. The department would eliminate 136 permanent employees, including park rangers, maintenance workers, scientists, and tour guides.

Sierra Club California strongly opposes any effort to close our state parks. These cuts would be devastating to the millions of Californians who rely on their state parks for recreation, educational opportunities, and quiet enjoyment of nature.

Shutting down parks is out of touch with the priorities of Californians. The 48 parks slated for closure represent some of the most significant cultural, historic, and natural resources in the state. Parks slated for closure include Henry Coe near Morgan Hill, Portola Redwoods in San Mateo County, Sutter's Fort Historic Park in Sacramento, Del Norte Redwoods near the Oregon border, Pio Pico in Whittier, and Great Valley Grasslands in Merced. Other Bay Area parks closed would include Tomales Bay State Park and Candlestick Point State Recreation Area.

The 14 state beaches slated to lose lifeguards are some of the most popular in California, including Silver Strand State Beach in San Diego, San Clemente State Beach in Orange County, and Sunset State Beach south of Santa Cruz.

The governor's proposal is the wrong way to go about balancing the state's budget. The total reductions from the state-parks budget would eliminate only 0.1% of the state deficit.

WhatYouCanDo - This month's key action

Contact your state senator and assemblymember at:

State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.sen.ca.gov
www.assembly.ca.gov

Urge them to oppose the closure of any state parks during the budget process.

For a map of all the closures and reductions, go to www.ebudget.ca.gov/BudgetSummary/ImagePages/FG-RES-01.html

For more information on the parks issue, visit www.savestateparks.org

Jim Metropulos, senior advocate, Sierra Club California