LOWER LAKE — The Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association (AMIA) proposal to enter into an operating agreement that would allow Anderson Marsh State Historic Park to remain open has now received preliminary approval from the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
“All of us at AMIA are very excited about this development,” Roberta Lyons, AMIA president, said. “This is a big step forward on the path to keeping the park open after the scheduled July 1 closure date. The next steps are to negotiate the actual contract terms and to get the final approval for the agreement from the State.”
Under the operating agreement, AMIA will operate the park for the next three years. “The hope is that by then, the state will be able to figure out a way to properly fund the state parks so that these stop-gap nonprofit operating agreements will no longer be needed,” Lyons added.
Under the proposed agreement, AMIA will continue to perform the tasks that it currently does. “We”ll continue to hold monthly interpretive Nature Walks and Ranch House Tours led by AMIA volunteer docents, host senior and student field trips to the Park and conduct other interpretive events led by AMIA volunteers,” Gae Henry, AMIA secretary, said. “In addition, AMIA will
take over responsibility for maintaining the trail system for use by the public, for contracting for refuse, toilet and utility services and for performing grounds-keeping, housekeeping and maintenance as required. Plans also include offering kayak tours of Anderson Marsh.”
The California Department of Parks and Recreation will continue to maintain authority and responsibility for the stewardship and management of natural, cultural and historic resources, including the American Indian artifacts found at the park. The California Department of Parks and Recreation will also continue to be responsible for law enforcement at the park, with periodic patrols and response to calls for assistance as required.
“AMIA is in the middle of its fundraising drive to raise the money necessary to operate the Parks for the next three years,” Henry Bornstein, AMIA treasurer, said. “Many generous individuals, businesses and groups have donated to the cause, some of them also pledging to make the same donation for the second and third year of operations.”
“We urge those of you who have not yet joined AMIA to do so at whatever level of support you can afford,” Henry said. “Every
donation helps.” For more information, visit www.andersonmarsh.org or call 995-2658.
