Feds vow to seize California Parks if closed by State


Published on Thursday, July 2, 2009 9:57 PM PDT

The National Park Service is threatening to block funding and take over several of California's most prominent state parks if state legislators close them to help balance the budget. They include Angel Island and Mt. Diablo near San Francisco; Point Sur in Big Sur; and beaches at Fort Ord Dunes near Monterey, Point Mugu State Park near Malibu, and Border Fields along the Mexican border.

Tim Gibbs, sr. program manager for the National Parks Conservation Association, says relying on the federal government to bail out California parks is not a feasible solution.

"There's already an $8 billion backlog in funding for projects in national parks. It's just not realistic for lawmakers to look at the federal government to get California out of this situation."

One alternative to closing state parks, says Gibbs, would be the creation of the State Park Access Pass. The proposed bill has stalled in the legislature for now, but if approved, it would provide free entrance to state parks in exchange for a $15 surcharge on vehicle registrations.

"It seems like a no-brainer to us that keeping our parks open through the State Park Access Pass is a far superior alternative."

Faced with a $26-billion state deficit, Gov. Schwarzenegger has proposed closing 220 state parks to save an estimated $143 million. Opponents call the idea shortsighted, arguing each park visitor generates an average $57 to the local economy. The Park Service is also suggesting other alternatives, such as reducing hours of operation.

 

Copyright © 2010 Kern Valley Sun

Comments

6 comment(s)

    Mary A. wrote on Jul 29, 2009 11:45 AM:

    " I would not mind partnering up with the park service for the one or two years it would take hopefully to get things back on track. I would gladly contribute $15. which of course could be used as a donation and tax write off for me and during this time the parks would be able to stay open and we could enjoy them and the state wouldn't loose the revenue that the parks generate. I think there are options not just closing the parks. "

    James B. U.S. Army wrote on Jul 27, 2009 9:09 AM:

    " Honestly, saving $143 million isn't gonna do much good toward a $26 billion defecit. Especially if it means shutting down our parks to do so. With everything going down hill we need to keep one of the few things we still have that makes out California great. Besides, its an easy decision for the Governator, hes got enough money to have a personal National Park in his backyard. Must be nice to be one of the highest paid actors in the 90's. On top of that, $15 isnt much. Pass the darn bill. I'll even pay twice! "

    Ann wrote on Jul 12, 2009 2:26 PM:

    " Yes, let's do away with all State Parks, Camping Sites, Recreation Areas, River and Lake Resorts. Let's close all State Beaches and OHV land to the public. Instead, let's build more condos, mini-malls, parking structures and be done with it. Let's stand by while the National Government gains more control over the State's wilderness and beauty. One day we can be like Soilant Green where our children's children do not know the beauty of Nature that we now enjoy. "

    Marilyn wrote on Jul 9, 2009 8:41 AM:

    " This is just scary. I can't imagine what they're thinking. Can you imagine the revenue 80 million visitors generate for the state? I think it would do more harm than good to close our parks. I would GLADLY pay $15 extra to keep them open. Let's see, give up one dinner out for the entire year... or close the parks. Who do I make the check out to? "

    isabella reader wrote on Jul 6, 2009 11:10 PM:

    " i'm sick and tired of paying for the use of public lands. when is it going to stop? "

    Weekender wrote on Jul 4, 2009 12:30 PM:

    " Isn't that a good thing? We don't have the money and the Feds just print more whenever they need it. I say "give 'em to 'em" "

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