Slow Starvation of Our State Parks

In Governor Arnold Schwarenegger’s January budget proposal funding for California State Parks was removed from the general fund and the state parks were to be funded from proceeds from the Tranquillon ridge off shire oil drilling project. After the Gulf of Mexico oil spill the governor has withdrawn his support for the Tranqillon Ridge project. So where does this leave the California state parks?

Budget cuts have already forced nearly 150 of the state’s 278 state parks to partially close or reduce services. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is closed Monday thru Thursday to all vehicular traffic, and has no restrooms, trash or water service on these days.

The Legislative Analyst Office, an independent analyst that provides recommendations to the legislature, has suggested that state parks funding be cut an additional $22 million; this will cause additional closures and more service reductions.

Last week the National Trust for Historic Preservation said:

“Few states have seen as many cuts to state parks and heritage-related programs as California, one of six states identified by the National Trust as prime examples of the nationwide problem.”

Take Action and contact your legislator right now to support park funding!


Stephen Hill, Sr.