Here we go again. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is again trying to terminate funding for 220 California state parks, effectively ensuring that these parks get shuttered.

Here’s the full list of parks which got the axe. The amount saved is only 0.62% of California’s budget deficit - $70 million for this year, and $150 million for next year.

Last year, the Governor had tried to pull the same stunt, proposing the closure of 48 of California’s 279 State Parks. That plan went nowhere fast, and after a massive public outcry and intense lobbying from special interests, Schwarzenegger was forced to restore the funding.

And this time looks to be no different - if anything, the proposal looks likely to get revised even faster.

The California State Parks Foundation is already in high gear, bashing the proposed cuts and pointing out the flawed logic of trying to save $150 million by closing 220 parks, which combined bring in hundreds of millions in tourist revenue. Not to mention the fact that it removes all possibility for Californians to enjoy the Golden State’s natural wealth.

In a press statement, Elizabeth Goldstein, President of the California State Parks Foundation (www.calparks.org/), said that “Not only will Californians lose access to a public trust resource that is theirs, but California’s travel and tourism industry will be hit hard. Locally-owned bed and breakfast establishments, nearby restaurants, retail shops, tour operations and many more businesses that rely on parks for visitation and economic activity will be devastated. At a time when the state needs to encourage and retain economic activity, this proposal shuts the door to a vital part of our economy.”

The California State Parks Foundation is leading SOS Campaign activities and generating awareness and action about these unacceptable budget proposals. For more information visit www.savestateparks.org.

Posted on May 30th, 2009 by PLing
Filed under: California, Parks