LOWER LAKE ? Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association (AMIA) will hold an “I Love State Parks” awareness event from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park in Lower Lake. The event will be held in conjunction with the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) “Weekends of Action.”
Guided nature walks will begin at 8 a.m. Three ranch house tours will follow at 10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and noon. AMIA will also have new information for people to sign about Anderson Marsh that will be forwarded to the CSPF, which is coordinating statewide “Weekends of Action.”
CSPF recently issued a list containing the “Top Five Things to Help State Parks NOW.” Topping the list is a suggestion to visit a state park, which according to CSPF is the best way to show support for state parks and be reminded as to why the public cares so much for these resources. “Please come out and enjoy our state parks,” AMIA Secretary Gae Henry said. “There will be activities all over the state in upcoming weeks, being held in conjunction with the CSPF”s ?Weekends of Action.””
Paying the posted entrance fees is vital to the state park system. “We know it”s sometimes easy to forget to pay those day use fees when it”s on the honor system or to just park outside the park,” CSPF stated. “But our state parks need our help, our support and our money. Please help by paying the posted fees.”
According to Henry, the new parking fee at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is $4 per car. The park will be available for hiking and picnicking seven days a week, although the gate to the parking lot will only be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. “The entrance cost will continue to be free for those who bicycle or walk in, but voluntarily paying the fee will help our park, increase our recorded attendance and will be greatly appreciated,” Henry said.
The action list also calls for correspondence with legislators. “Our state parks system is a legacy with which we have all been entrusted. California”s state parks are part of the public good, which requires a stable and consistent investment by every generation, to ensure their availability for the next generation,” Henry said. “Now, more than ever, the state parks are needed for recreation and education; plus our state parks attract many visitors who spend money in our local economy.”
Henry continued, “Our legislators will have an opportunity to revisit some of the Governor”s vetoes and ?blue-pencil” cuts. To contact our local legislators, you can use the letter at the California State Parks Foundation ?Please take a moment and send a letter today;” or write your own.”
Another way to take action is engage family and friends. “Continue to be involved in this struggle to protect our access to state parks. The California State Parks Foundation is a great source of information,” Henry said. “To help out locally, invite your friends and family to join you at our major fund-raising benefit, the Old Time Bluegrass Festival on Saturday, Sept. 12.”
The bluegrass festival is AMIA”s major funding source. Attendees will experience great bluegrass music, local food and craft vendors, children”s activities, musician workshops and the “Art in the Barn” exhibit.
“This is a family-friendly event at family-friendly prices that shows off our park and our community. The feeling that I got when I arrived at the festival last year told me this was something very special,” Henry said. “Like all great bluegrass events, our festival is about much more than enjoying the performers. It”s about experiencing and becoming part of the community, both putting on and enjoying the event.”
Henry continued, “We”re a county that may not be large in population but we”re very big on community. This festival really creates the conditions that allow that to shine. Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is a real jewel and the bluegrass festival gives us the opportunity to share it and ourselves. When you come you”ll have an opportunity to experience many of the reasons we think this is a fabulous place to live. From the environment to the people, you will experience a regional community working together to make sure we support the important things in life for each other. We”re the real deal here.”
The fifth thing people can do to help state parks is stay informed. CSPF Web site is www.calparks.org and the AMIA Web site is www.andersonmarsh.org. According to Henry AMIA is currently in conversation with the state parks to find out exactly how much money it costs to keep Anderson Marsh State Historic Park open. AMIA is also talking with the Redbud Audubon Society about a partnership to provide support at Anderson Marsh until there is a more stable and consistent funding sources for state parks.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
