It is difficult to escape the massive budget problems that currently face California. From having the lowest bond ratings in the U.S. to having to pay our bills with IOUs and the multitude of lay offs and cuts to public services—none of the news is good.  And just like last year when faced with budget problems, Governor Schwarzenegger has threatened to close 80% of our state parks to save $140 million dollars from our $24 billion dollar deficit.

While it is clear that fiscal restraint is needed in California, closing the state parks should not be a way of achieving it.  It seems that more than ever, state parks are needed. Due to the recession, most families and individuals are forgoing distant vacations and are looking for places to relax near home.  As environmental awareness is growing more and more people are eager to connect with nature.  In Los Angeles specifically, these parks are especially important for the many citizens who have less public space per person than the average American.  Additionally, access to public outdoor space promotes overall better health and reduces the risk for obesity, which is a disease that is rapidly affecting our country.

California is known for its awe inspiring natural beauty— it is one of the main reasons many of us live here.  We should do everything we can to insure that we don’t lose our access to it.

Here is What is Currently at Stake:

Under the governor’s current plan, only 59 of our 279 state parks would remain open (most of these parks are considered “self-sustaining.”)  All department run parks in the Los Angeles area would be closed with the exception of a small minorities of spaces including Santa Monica State Beach, Will Rodgers State Beach and few beaches in Orange County.  When these parks are closed, not only will they no longer be staffed or maintained, but it will be illegal to step foot on them.  Technically it would be considered trespassing.

Semi-Promising News:

69 of the 220 state parks to be closed came from federal government grants or land trust/transfers.  Under the “stipulations” set forth during the transfer, these lands are to remain open for the public—if they do not, the state can potentially lose control of the lands to the federal government.

What You Can Do:

•    Visit your local state parks.  Los Angeles has some great ones like Leo Carrillo, Topanga, El Matador, Will Rodgers and more.  Support the parks with your dollars (just like how consumers show their power with what they chose to spend their dollars on at the store, we can do the same with our parks.)
•    Visit www.savestateparks.org and find ways to contact your local representatives and let them know in NO WAY do you want your state parks to be closed.  Better yet, when you visit a state park, take your photo with a sign asking your representative or the Governor to save the park.
•    Share the news with your friends.  Join the Save Our State Parks Facebook Group, pass along articles to people you think might care or contact your local media.  One of the great lessons of last year’s election was that grassroots efforts CAN work, and so far 30,000 individuals have sent t 87,000 letters to Sacramento!

Learn More:

Cutting Parks Will Cost More than it Will Save —Capitol Weekly

Federal Gov’t to Schwarzenegger: There are Legal Issues with Closing State Parks -Laist.com

View the listing of parks to remain open here.

images via Tracy Hepler and  travel.webshots.com

Tags: El Matador State Beach, Green LA, green living los angeles, Hiking, Leo Carrillo State Beach, Save Our State Parks, State Beaches, State Parks, Topanga State Park, Will Rodgers State Park