When One Door Closes: The Future of State Parks
© 2007 Dan QuinnIt's no secret that California's state budget woes have extended to the state parks system, which faces a $22 million shortfall over the next fiscal year and the closure of up to 70 of its 278 state beaches, parks and historic sites.
As a New York Times article recently pointed out, California isn't the only state in the nation whose state parks are at risk. Many state governments are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for interim and long-range solutions to keeping parks open. According to the Times, Washington and Georgia state parks are considering new fee structures. Arizona and Florida are looking into privatization of their parks, and Ohio has even floated the idea of allowing drilling for oil and gas beneath some state parks. In one of the more drastic moves, Idaho's governor suggested getting rid of its state parks altogether (thankfully, that proposal never made it past the legislature), while Colorado merged its parks department with its Division of Wildlife.
Most eyes, however, are on California and, in particular, the Bay Area, since 18 of the region's 33 state parks are scheduled to close within the next calendar year. In June, The Wall Street Journal brought national attention to how some Bay Area parks are turning to nonprofit groups for help. Among the numerous examples of parks partnering with nonprofits, it's been suggested that public-private partnerships are forging a new model for how state parks are run in the future. These partnerships may soon face less red tape if Assembly Bill AB42 passes, which would allow non-profits to take over operations at some state parks.
While it's crucial that we find a more stable, long-term funding solution for state parks, POST and fellow land trusts have played their own role in bolstering the ailing state park system. In January, POST and Sempervirens Fund transferred 535-acre Little Basin to California State Parks for inclusion into Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Called a "first-of-its-kind deal" by the San Jose Mercury News, POST and Sempervirens Fund sold Little Basin to State Parks with a built-in $1.3 million budget for staff and maintenance. Facing a $1.2 billion maintenance backlog on current parks, the ability of the state to purchase new parkland has been severely hampered in recent years, but with some advance planning, the two land trusts were able to fund the park's maintenance with the proceeds of a bargain sale from original owner, Hewlett-Packard. It's just one example of how POST is working at the forefront to keep parkland land safe, open and permanently protected for future generations to enjoy.
Back to Table of Contents