Elimination of State Parks From General Fund

On January 8th the governor released his proposed FY 2010-11 state budget. Under the governor’s proposal the state parks would no longer be funded by the state general fund but rather from the controversial Tranquillon ridge offshore oil lease. Has the governor forgotten that the drilling proposal was defeated twice in 2009, first by the State lands commission, then in the legislative e budget negotiations in the fall? What is going to happen to the state parks when the drilling proposal is defeated again in 2010?

You can help Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park and the other state parks by:
• Taking a moment to send a message to your legislators urging them to reject the governor’s proposal
• Signing up to gather signatures to put the California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 on the November 2010 ballot
• Submitting an endorsement form for the California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010

Stephen Hill, Sr

Ballot initiative cleared to gather signatures

On November 4, 2009 we reported on the California State Parks Foundation’s efforts to get the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 on the November 2010 ballot. The Fresno Bee reported on December 31, 2009 that the ballot initiative was cleared by Secretary of State Debra Bowen to begin gathering voter signatures.

If the initiative passes it is expected to generate $500 million a year for park funding and maintenance by adding an $18 surcharge to the annual vehicle registration fee, which will give California motorists free admission to state beaches and parks.

If you are willing to commit to helping put the state Park Access Pass on the ballot go to the California State Parks Foundation web site to join the team.


Stephen Hill, Sr.