California state parks are one of California”s best ideas.
Our parks were at one time considered the best in the nation. Now California”s 278 state parks, two of which are in Lake County, are becoming endangered.
It”s been death by a thousand cuts: budget cuts.
These places of beauty and intrinsic value have suffered from persistent under-funding even when the state coffers were flush. Now, in a recession, the already bare-bones funding continues to be on the cutting block.
The value of parks to the wildlife they protect, the communities they serve and the visitors they inspire are tangible in many ways. If we just want to look at dollars, park visitors spend $4.32 billion in surrounding communities annually or approximately $57.63 per visitor.
That means for Lake County, from Clear Lake State Park alone, the 120,000 annual visitors spend more than $6 million here.
State parks are places of extraordinary natural and cultural worth set aside for the inspiration, enjoyment and health of the public. In other words, we need them not only to protect wildlife and beautiful landscapes, but for our general well being. Right now the parks need us.
State parks have been so underfunded that the repair backlog exceeds $1 billion. In the past two years the parks have been threatened with complete closure and then received last minute reprieves, but no extra funding.
This letter is being submitted to encourage you to support Proposition 21, California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act.
Most people hate the idea of another fee, but this fee would have an excellent return.
The proposal is to fund parks from an $18 annual state park access surcharge on all California Vehicles. Larger commercial vehicles, mobile homes and permanent trailers will be exempt. In exchange for this $18 fee, all California vehicles will get free year-round state park day-use admission. Right now an annual day-use pass is $125 and daily day use fees range from $8 to $15.
Because this funding will go into a trust fund, it cannot be used for other purposes, only for parks.
The state parks would no longer depend on the general fund and the money designated for them from the general fund could be used elsewhere.
Can you imagine California with its beautiful state parks closed or sold to private interests?
Please help save our state parks and vote yes on Proposition 21.
