Submitted by PJ Myatt.
Park districts across the state have finalized service reduction plans. Some reductions took place immediately after the state budget was passed. More noticeable changes to operations and hours were implemented on Nov. 1st. These service reductions are one part of the $14.2 million, one time budget savings plan the governor announced to keep all parks open with the least disruption to visitors. The bullet of park closures has been dodged for now but the $14.2 million cut in spending may lead to rolling closures, delayed maintenance and further layoffs. Nov 3rd, California State Parks Foundation along with The Nature Conservancy and other concerned partners files a proposed statewide ballot measure to put The State Park Access Pass on the Nov 2010 ballot. The measure is called “ The California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010. An $18 annual surcharge on vehicle license fees, personal vehicles, motorcycles and RV’s would give the State Parks the funds to repair structures and roads, with a steady flow of funds. The vehicles subject to this surcharge would receive free year round day use admission to all Ca State Parks.
Signatures must be gathered from individuals and organizations to qualify the initiative for the ballot. To learn how you can help go to www.stateparks.org .
