State Park Closure Facts

06/02/09

STATE PARK CLOSURE FACTS

For the financial well being of our state and future generations, we must oppose this reckless plan.

Even if you are not planning to visit a park soon, the governor's shortsighted proposal will impact you and every California resident. It is the very definition of "penny‐wise, pound foolish". Consider the facts:

FACT: The Governor’s plan represents an “abandonment” of our State Parks and beaches, a public trust resource that must be stewarded for future generations. It would lead to a wholesale dismantling of an internationally recognized Park System that has taken 150 years to build.

FACT: The General Fund budget that State Parks receives accounts for less than 1/10 of one percent of the entire state budget.

FACT: Last year alone, there were over 80 million visitors to State Parks – and all indications are this year will be even higher. During these terrible economic times, more and more residents are relying on the State Park System for low‐cost alternatives to expensive vacations. Our parks provide affordable opportunities for recreation, relaxation and learning with our friends and family.

FACT: Last year Santa Cruz County State Parks provided environmental and cultural education programming to 611,174 school children, families and individuals.

FACT: For every dollar that funds the parks, $2.35 is returned to the state's General Fund through purchases in the local communities surrounding the parks and in the parks themselves. That means eliminating all funding for State Parks ($70 million this year) could actually result in the state losing over $350 million dollars in revenue. Untold losses would also be felt in local hotels, restaurants and shops.

FACT: Public investments in State Parks leverage volunteer hours and dollars. Statewide, in 2008, docents and other park volunteers provided $21,329,811 worth of services to the parks. Over the last 10 years, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, a non‐profit park cooperating association, has provided nearly $9 million of support. All of these valuable partnership contributions would be lost.

FACT: It isn’t logically possible to “close” a State beach or Park open space. But without sufficient State Park staff to patrol, provide public safety and rescues, perform maintenance, provide essential facilities such as restrooms, provide educational programming and protect the plants, animals and cultural and historic resources, our parks would deteriorate and become attractive nuisances for criminal activity. It would cost more money in the long run to close our parks than would be saved!

FACT: This is the worst threat to Park System in its 150‐year history.

FACT: We need your help to defeat this draconian, shortsighted proposal!!

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

www.ThatsMyPark.org