Since our last newsletter, State Parks released the list of 70 parks that will be closed by July 1, 2012 in order to meet the $22 million budget cut required by Gov. Brown and the Legislature. 70 parks means 25 percent of the entire state park system will be closed to the public for the first time in the system’s 100 year history. This is unacceptable and outrageous. We at CSPF reject these closures, we are not giving up, and we invite you to join us in this fight.
Although other closure lists have been drawn up in the past by State Parks in response to previous budget cut proposals, this is the first comprehensive list of closures that will be fully implemented. Why this time? Because unlike previous years when closure lists preceded the state budget, the Legislature has already adopted the budget cuts for FY 11-12. In fact, it is anticipated that the Legislature will make the final approval of the FY 11-12 budget during a vote on June 15. That vote will be the final nail in the coffin for state parks on that list.
We don’t want to see that happen. As you’ll read below, we are working on legislation to turn things around. We’ve made significant progress on the legislative front to help protect parks and make it possible for CSPF and other nonprofits to help manage some parks. We continue to improve our programs to bring volunteers in to parks for much-needed help with maintenance issues, our restoration efforts also continue, and we are committed to keeping our parks available to our children and all Californians for years to come.
CSPF Sponsored Park Legislation Moves Forward
With the unprecedented challenges currently facing state parks, CSPF is happy to report that our two sponsored bills, AB 42 and SB 580, have successfully advanced to the next step. Both bills are now about halfway through the legislative process.
AB 42 (Huffman): AB 42 allows the state to enter into partnerships with nonprofit organizations to help operate park units that might otherwise be closed. This bill successfully passed out of the Assembly on March 19 and now moves on to the Senate.
SB 580 (Wolk): SB 580 establishes a clear and strong process to protect California’s state park system against development proposals that are inconsistent with state parks, and ensures that efforts to use state parks for non-park purposes result in no net loss of park lands for Californians. SB 580 passed out of the Senate on June 1 and will continue to the Assembly.
Thank you to the park supporters who have taken action and contacted their legislators on these bills. Your action makes a difference! If you haven’t already, sign up to receive email action alerts from CSPF here.
Don’t Let State Parks Become Just a Memory
Last week we kicked off the summer with our “Don’t Let State Parks Become Just a Memory” weekend of action. We asked people to submit their favorite memories of state parks along with a photo. We couldn’t have asked for better stories about what state parks mean to everyone; the tales are heartwarming and inspiring. You can see them here.
Do you have a memory and a photo of state parks you’d like to share? We’d love to hear it. Submit your stories all summer long here.
Save the Date: June 21 at the Capitol
Save
Our State Parks Rally & Expo in Sacramento
Please join us at the Capitol on Tuesday, June 21 for a Save Our State Parks Rally! Help us urge state policymakers to not make our state parks just a memory. While you are in Sacramento you can also stop by our state park expo, where we will be showcasing the 70 state parks planned for closure. At the expo you will be able to speak with representatives from organizations throughout the state that have joined the Save Our State Parks campaign and learn more about work being done to stop park closures, increase volunteer efforts and raise awareness. For more information, please contact us at advocacy@calparks.org.
Our Park Champions Program has volunteer opportunities coming up at state parks around the state. Register online today to volunteer at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Los Angeles County on June 29 or Burleigh H. Murray Ranch in San Mateo County on July 12.
Interpretive Play Area Grand Opening
We invite you to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Tomol Interpretive Play Area at Carpinteria State Beach on June 10 at 11 a.m. More than a traditional playground, the play area incorporates native Chumash tribe history as an educational element, including a tomol (a plank canoe), the namesake of the playground.
This visionary educational play area blossomed under the remarkable efforts of Wade Nomura and The Morning Rotary of Carpinteria, Mike Roberts of the City of Carpinteria, and Wes Chapin of State Parks – along with CSPF grants totaling $114,608 made possible through the Lenore G. Johnson Estate and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation. Ms. Lenore G. Johnson adored the state beach, where she and her late husband often camped and picnicked. The Morning Rotary fundraised for the project since its inception in 2003. The Play Area is located on Linden Avenue at Palm Avenue in Carpinteria, in Santa Barbara County.
The interpretive play area upholds both CSPF’s and California State Parks’ mission of enhancing state parks.
Did you know there are creative ways to support California State Parks including providing a gift of stock, donating property or giving a gift of life insurance? Find out about these and other ways in which the CSPF, you and your loved ones can all benefit at the same time. Your lasting contribution will benefit generations to come. Check out our new Planned Giving website at: calparks.org/plannedgiving. Contact Davida Hartman, vice president of development, with questions at 415-262-4403.
Congratulations to Mark J., Heather R. and Daniel B. for being the first three people to finish our Limited Edition State Parks Puzzle contest. There are still prizes to be had for not only finishing the puzzle (it’s a real doozy!) but also for beating the CSPF staff completion time. Don’t have a puzzle yet? You can get it in our store today.
Congratulations to new photo contestant Philip Lee Miller. His photo, “Point Lobos Weston Beach,” was chosen as the CSPF Photo of the Month for May. Philip’s photo was taken in Point Lobos State Reserve. Click here to see a larger version of Philip’s photograph.
Calling all photographers!
We are in need of photographs of the 70 state parks scheduled for closure. Upload photos you have in your archives to our photo contest, or go out there and take new ones! It would be a great reason to visit those parks that will be closing soon. Anyone can help and join our photo contest, it’s free and easy.
Travel Tips from Weekend Sherpa
Break out the Jiffy Pop and lantern, camping season is here! When the coast is clear, pitch your tent at any of these three beauties by the sea: Butano, Salt Point or Andrew Molera state parks.
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Butano State Park
Cooking dinner on the grill, falling asleep under towering redwoods, waking up to miles of premier trails to explore: that’s state-of-the-art camping in Butano State Park. This gem of a campground on the San Mateo coast is set in a canyon canopied by second-growth redwoods that quietly creak their welcome when you arrive. The 18 walk-in sites are ideal for a car-camping experience that doesn’t resemble a tailgate. A 50- to 200-foot walk to your site is just enough to feel like you’re roughing it without the constant hum of RV generators. Butano is home to a variety of trails that make exploring easy and accessible. Talk to the friendly camp host for the full beta on where to go and what to do. The 5-mile Mill Ox loop hike is a classic, passing through redwoods, climbing to views of the Pacific, and—especially after rains—crossing paths with a slew of banana slugs and newts.
It costs $35 to camp at Butano State Park. Make reservations online. Dogs are allowed at the campground but not on the trails.
Salt Point State Park
If your idea of a lullaby is the sound of crashing waves, spring for one of the Sonoma coast’s most scenic camping destinations. Reached only by those who don’t mind Highway 1’s topsy-turvy curves, Salt Point State Park offers spectacular seaside perches that are perfect for pitching your tent. Campers seeking close proximity to the Pacific should go for the Gerstle Cove campsites, located right on the bluffs. Of the 30 sites here, 18 and 19 are on the highest ground and have ocean views. The more forested Woodside campsites, on the eastern side of Highway 1, have their fans, too—especially on windy or extra-sunny weekends, when the Monterey pines here offer protection. Sites 48 and 49, tucked back in the woods, have the most privacy. No matter where you pitch your tent, there’s no shortage of Sonoma coast beauty: honeycombed sandstone is expertly carved by the waves at Gerstle Cove, and there’s a pygmy forest just inland. Discover more of the park’s corners on 20 miles of hiking trails that crisscross prairies and lead to tide pools and waterfalls. Be sure to carry a nice glass of something down to the shoreline before dusk to watch the sun dip into the Pacific.
TIP: If you pass through Valley Ford on your way from Highway 101 to Highway 1, stop at Sonoma Coast Fish Bank and pick up sustainable seafood to grill over the fire.
Salt Point State Park is about 90 miles north of San Francisco, alongside Hwy. 1. Sites are $35, less if you bike or hike in. From May 15–Oct. 31, make reservations online. In the off-season, campsites are first come, first served. Dog-friendly!
Andrew Molera State Park
Big Sur is among the world's most beautiful places to pitch a tent. The problem: Everyone knows it, and campground reservations often fill months in advance. Though it isn't immune to crowds or filling up, Andrew Molera State Park is your best bet for an eleventh-hour trip because you have to walk a third of a mile (a deterrent for many) to the 24 tent sites, and it doesn't take reservations. The campground is also a short hike from a 2-mile-long beach (pictured) and hiking trails, including the storybook 8.4-mile roundtrip Ridge Bluff loop, a coastal route so stunning it’s as if you’ve been transported to Narnia. But this fantasy is real. Dream Big!
Andrew Molera State Park is 20 miles south of Carmel on Hwy. 1. Arrive at the park by 10 a.m. for your best bet at getting a campsite. No dogs.
