ecovote.org > get involved > action alerts > state parks
Take a Stand for State Parks
California is home to the most diverse natural environment of any state, including endangered wildlife, native plants, spectacular coastline, old growth redwoods, and vast grasslands. Much of this bounty is contained in the state park system. Despite invaluable stewardship provided by state parks, the Schwarzenegger administration is now considering an order from the governor that will ban all new land acquisitions by State Parks, the Wildlife Conservation Board, and conservancies if the ownership of those lands will impose any new costs on the state. Acquisitions would still be possible under exceptional conditions or from private donors, placing a heavy reliance on the wealth of the area and interested donors.
Why California Should Continue to Acquire State Park Lands:
- Preserved natural resource lands contribute to the health of the environment: protected watersheds provide clean drinking water.
- State parklands are a smart economic investment—for every dollar we invest in our state parks, $2.35 is sent back to the General Fund to benefit all Californians.
- 100,000 jobs statewide depend on a healthy park system and park visitors.
- California State Parks contain the best of California History—1,500 historic structures, 63 museums, millions of historic artifacts, and thousands of archaeological sites.
The Public Works Board, a small and obscure (but very powerful) body has questioned State Parks' further property acquisition in the face of insufficient funds for maintenance. The real problem, of course, is that the current and previous administrations, as well as the legislature, are guilty of underfunding the State Parks Department, which accounts for a mere two-tenths of one percent of the state budget.
Californians value parks and their votes back it up: three major bonds have been passed in the past three years totaling billions of dollars for preservation of California’s natural and historic resources. The legislature and voters have consistently supported expanding our state parks and wildlife refuges while rejecting attempts to get the state out of the business of park and wildlife protection. This executive order would reverse those actions and stop the implementation of voter-approved park bonds.
California’s state parks draw over 86 million visitors annually, placing a huge strain and demand on these lands. With California’s population projected to double before 2050, now is the time to create adequate parklands and protect our unique and valuable environment.
What You Can Do
Write or phone the Governor, urging him to withdraw his proposed order to halt all new parks and wildlife acquisitions.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
1st Floor State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 445-2841
Fax: (916) 558-3160
