Submitted by PJ Myatt
The solicitation for signatures to place the State Park Use Pass on the Ballot as an initiative in November was a success. This measure will add an $18 fee to annual vehicle registration fees and allow any car, motor cycle or RV with California license plates free admission to our 278 parks for day use. These fees currently range from $6 to $15 per vehicle.
The ballot proposal would give 85% to state parks and mandate that these funds could not be used for other purposes. The other 15% would go to the Department of Fish and Game and the Ocean Protection Council.
Without this funding we will see more closed parks, reduced access, closed restrooms and a greater reduction in staffing. As further proof of the uncertain future of our State Parks California’s legislative analyst recommended the legislature reduce state park funding from $140 million which was proposed by the Gov. on May 16 to $118 million.
If the legislature decides to implement this cut our parks will face additional closures and service reductions beyond those currently impacting 150 of our 278 parks.
Please vote for this on November.
