CA State Parks latest victim of budget woes

A number of state park systems have been forced to cut back on visitor services and even close parks. In RV Lifestyles Ezine, we linked to a report by a commission in Arizona that has been studying ways to increase funding for its beleaguered parks. Some Arizona State Parks have already had days and staff cut.

California has already taken steps to reduce costs for operating their state parks. According to the MercuryNews.com, "More than half of California's 279 state parks will see reduced hours, closed campgrounds, canceled school field trips and gates padlocked several days a week under a wave of unprecedented new cuts completed Tuesday by the state parks department."

You can see a chart with some of the parks affected at the article, "Sweeping cuts imposed on more than half of California State Parks." Click on the chart to see a larger version. Humboldt Redwoods State Park does not appear on the list. (George standing in a "goose pen" formed by the burned out part of a giant redwood.) We enjoyed exploring the Avenue of the Giants that cuts through this state park.

My only hope is, that as more budget cuts are necessary, that states (and the federal government) do not consider selling off these treasures. This land that has been set aside as significant is our legacy and should be saved for future generations. The various places also provide local recreation as well as attract tourist dollars.

In the Payson area in Arizona near our homebase, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park was one named to be shut completely down last spring (pictured). The nearby towns raised a ruckus since Tonto Natural Bridge is one of the few parks that brings in enough revenue to support itself plus lots of tourist dollars. The town of Payson was able to partner with the park to provide seasonal employees on weekends at the park and keep it open two days a week. Those partnerships may be necessary in the future. It all depends on our values as taxpayers.

 What solution(s) do you see could help our state parks? Are they pawns to get voters' attention and raise taxes? Or should they be closed before other services cut? As RVers, do you visit state parks in your travels? What will it mean to the RV lifestyle? What do you think? Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Comments

[J.C. Webber III]

We are due to arrive in Payson this Saturday for a four night stay. We were not aware of the state park issues. We will check out the park while we are there and see what we can find out. Do they hire volunteers? Do they accept donations? What can we, the RV community, do to help?

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

JC, I did read they have found away to keep the park open 5 days a week beginning November 15. I would suggest stopping by and then talking to the ranger there to see if there is a way you can help.

I could not find information on how you make a donation, thought that might help. If Tonto Natural Bridge is still partnering with Payson, a donation might help provide staff.

The Web site for volunteering for AZ state parks is http://www.pr.state.az.us/volunteer/index.html.

It is a beautiful park. There was a light dusting of snow in the area so if you hike down to the bottom, watch for patches of ice.

As for RVers in general, patronizing the parks helps boost revenues. If you can volunteer, that is a big help too. Thanks!

Jaimie