Ballot Measure to Protect State Parks and Conserve Wildlife
Californians Get Free, Year Round State Parks Admission, if Access Surcharge is Adopted
Once considered to be the best in the nation, California’s 278 state parks now rank among the country’s most endangered sites. How did they go from the best to endangered? Call it death by a thousand cuts – in this case, budget cuts. Our parks are falling apart because
of persistent underfunding.
State Parks Repair Backlog Tops $1 Billion
Roofs and sewage systems in state parks leak, restrooms aren’t cleaned regularly, trails are washed out and campgrounds and visitor centers are shuttered. The repair backlog in California state parks tops $1 billion, and it’s growing. As if that weren’t enough, twice in the past two years, the state parks were on the verge of being shut down. Only last-minute budget reprieves kept them open. But nearly 150 state parks were shut down part-time or suffered deep service reductions because of budget cuts, and more park closure proposals and budget cuts are expected this year.
Trust Fund to Provide Stable and Adequate Funding
That’s why a group of parks supporters proposed a statewide measure for the November 2010 ballot called the California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010. It would protect state parks and conserve wildlife by establishing a Trust Fund in the state treasury that could only be spent on state parks, urban river parkways, wildlife, natural lands and ocean conservation programs.
Californians to Get Free, Year-Round Parks Admission
Funding would come from an $18 annual State Park Access Pass surcharge on all California vehicles, including motorcycles and recreational vehicles. Larger commercial vehicles, mobile homes and permanent trailers would be exempt. Vehicles subject to the surcharge would receive free, year-round admission to all state parks. In comparison, park visitors currently pay up to $125 for an annual pass or $10-$15 per day at most parks.
Tough Safeguards Protect Public Funds
Spending from the Trust Fund would be subject to oversight by a citizen’s board, full public disclosure and independent annual audits. Money from the general fund – currently spent on parks – would be available for other vital needs, like schools, heath care, social services or
public safety.
Parks Strengthen the Economy
Ensuring stable and adequate funding for state parks and wildlife will strengthen California’s economy, improve public health and protect natural resources. State parks, which include historic sites and state beaches, attract millions of tourists every year. Those visitors spend $4.32 billion annually on park-related goods and services in California – or an average of $57.63 in the surrounding community on each visit, according to a recent study.
Parks also entice visitors to exercise and lead healthier lifestyles, and they contribute to the public health by protecting forests and natural areas that are sources of clean air and water
Support State Parks, Join the Coalition
State parks are priceless public assets and vital legacies for our children and grandchildren. Please help protect them by joining the coalition at http://www.YesForStateParks.com. With your help, California’s endangered state parks can become the best once again. If you have any questions,
please call Ann Newton at (818) 760-2121, or visit www.YesForStateParks.com.
Tri-Valley, California CVB Membership Blog 