Protection of Parklands

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park © Ernie Cowan

California's state parks embrace world renowned natural areas, act as an economic pump for state and local economies and provide recreational benefits to 85 million residents and tourists a year. These lands, kept in their natural state, also confer important benefits through protecting air and water quality, providing habitat for wildlife and acting as a psychological relief value for our increasingly urbanized populations.

Today, California’s precious ecosystems are facing unprecedented threats due to increased urban infrastructure and the state’s continual fiscal crisis and potential closures. Inadequate funding also plagues California’s State Parks System with the system only funded at approximately 40 percent of its current maintenance need. Unless we take action to create long-lasting, system-wide park protection and funding strategies, California’s magnificent ecosystems will remain vulnerable.

You can learn more about how CSPF works to protect parks for future generations by visiting our Take Action Center.