In Case You Missed It: Should California Close 70 State Parks?
By July 1, 2012, California plans to close 70 state parks. Gray Whale Cove State Park, Portola Redwoods State Park, Castle Rock State Park, and 67 other of the state's 278 parks will close. Twenty percent of state park rangers and all seasonal lifeguards working state beaches will lose their jobs. All of this is one step to help reduce a $9.2 billion state deficit. The cuts to California's Department of Parks and Recreation will account for a savings of $22 million.
What does all this mean? To get a feel for the changes, check out the video above. It's a documentary we found on the Prana blog, picked up from a Kickstarter project called The First 70. After the state park cuts were announced, a group from Heath Hen Films packed up a converted airport shuttle bus and took off to document the 70 parks.
"As we connected dots on a map, a pattern emerged," the groups says on their Kickstarter page. "No one knew exactly what the conditions of closure would be, nor could they see how the state would ultimately benefit."
While some say the cuts may help the state budget, others point out that local communitites that depend on the parks for tourism will lose out because of the decision. Online complaints about a lack of safety and education in wild places have led some citizens to start a movement for keeping the parks open.
"This governor has gone where no governor has gone before with state parks," says Elizabeth Goldstein of the California State Parks Foundation. "Californians are frustrated with their state parks being held hostage in the budget process, especially when the claims of "budget savings" from closures are unlikely to materialize, but are likely to end up costing the state and local communities."
To learn more about both sides of the cuts, check out the following:
A podcast from 89.3 KPCC on privatizing the parks.
California's announcement of the funding cuts back in May 2011.
The California State Parks Foundation statement about the closing.
Tell us in the comments section below, what will be the effect of closing 70 state parks in California?
--Joe Spring
@joespring
Comments
They can't do this! 22 million is just a fraction of 9.2 billion. The cons outweigh the pros ob this one. Come on California
Flag ThisFine . . . close them! I am 68 year old. Most of the parks didn't exist when i was a kid and we enjoyed the mountains, the beaches, and the beaches for free. Now the State charges for everything: Adventure Pass, parking, vehicle licenses, etc. Close the parks, eliminate the fees, eliminate the park police, and we can once again enjoy those areas for free.
Flag ThisIt is irresponsible to believe hat the closure of parks will have any far reaching, long lasting benefit. The loss of wild places, natural playgrounds, and recreational areas is a hit to the morale of citizens who enjoy these places. While I may never have a chanc to visit these parks being from Pittsburgh, it's important just to know these spos, much like Pennsylvania's state parks, exist.
Flag ThisThis isn't to save money. After closing, they will sell or lease the land for pennies on the dollar to their corporate buddies. They will be backdoor deals with an attempt to fly them below the radar until the deal is done. They could care less about saving the budget, they want to sell off this primo land to their buddies. Wake up, its a mafia government.
Flag ThisThis is a question mostly for the Outside editors: are there any concerned citizens groups that are attempting to take on purchase or funding for the parks on the closed list? How about any conservations groups concerned with clean up and maintenance in reference to the worst case scenario vandalism and illegal dumping?
Flag ThisParks being closed so that "we can once again enjoy these areas for free" means your enjoyment will have to include dealing with pot farms, deteriorating roads and trails, garbage dumps, poaching, dogs running deer and other wildlife, ORVs tearing up the landscape, homeless camps, meth labs, polluted water, etc. Make use of some of the National Forests--they are there for more multiple use experiences. Please understand the difference between National Forests, National Parks and State Parks. Times have changed, Verne, since we were young. I am 73. It's been my experience that people take better care of something they have to pay a little toward.
Flag ThisDownright appalling. Short-sighted.
Flag ThisUse protected forests and wetlands to sell carbon offsets to European corporations; this will pay for ranger salaries and upkeep. Cali needs those parks to keep from becoming new jersey, period.
Flag ThisDon't have money to buy a building? You not have to worry, just because it's possible to take the loan to solve all the problems. Thence take a college loan to buy everything you need.
Flag ThisAustin keegan and I started a Facebook site called "Friends of Garrapata", to protect and preserve Garrapata State Park, which is on the list of proposed closures. Check out our site and post your questions or comments. Thanks, David
Flag Thislouis vuitton sac
Flag Thiscoach outlet coach outlet online coach outlet online coach outlet coach outlet coach outlet online coach outlet coach outlet canada beats by dre dre beats dr dre beats beats headphones
Flag Thisbe, nor could they see how the state would ultimately benefit.""No one knew exactly what the conditions of closure would link building services
Flag Thischeapest tera gold| GOBUYTERA Is The Best Tera Gold Online Shop, tera gold|Along With Tera Release Date Coming, buy tera gold|Cheap Tera Gold You Can Buy At Tera Online Store
Flag This