Save the Redwoods League Urges Quick Action to Keep State Parks Open

Governor Schwarzenegger Used Line-Item Veto Authority to Cut an Additional $6.2
Million for State Parks;$38.6 Million Total Loss in Funding for Next Fiscal Year
May Require More Than 100 Parks to Close

Ruskin Hartley, Executive Director of Save the Redwoods League, Comments on
Signed Fiscal Year 2009-10 State Budget and Funding Cuts for State Parks

SAN FRANCISCO--(Business Wire)--
"Californians face the one of the greatest threats to state parks in the
system`s 81-year history," said Ruskin Hartley, executive director of Save the
Redwoods League. "The $14.2 million General Fund cut, staff furloughs and
reductions in other revenue sources mean that more than 100 parks - more than
one-third of the state park system - may close. A 21 percent total funding loss
is the largest cut percentage-wise that state parks have experienced to-date."

"While we do not know which parks will be proposed for closure at this time,
Californians` access to iconic redwood forests is at risk," said Hartley. "The
state park system is home to 61 redwoods parks, which create irreplaceable
opportunities for people of all ages to visit forests that are found nowhere
else on the planet. With only 5 percent of the world`s ancient redwoods left
standing, we must ensure that today`s visitors and future generations can
experience these majestic forests."

"California cannot afford to close more than one-third of the state park
system," continued Hartley. "The loss of consumer spending associated with park
visits will be devastating to local economies that rely on tourism and park
visitation. State parks deliver more than $4.2 billion in direct spending from
visitors to California`s economy, according to a recent California State
University Sacramento survey. Every $1 spent supporting the state park system
returns $2.35 to the State`s General Fund through economic activity in
communities surrounding state parks."

"The threat to state parks created by budget cuts this year highlights the
critical need for a stable, dedicated funding source for parks. It is simply not
possible for the state to turn its back on 100 parks and expect Californians to
be able to fully assume this public responsibility."

"Save the Redwoods League stands ready to work with all Californians and
legislators to develop creative solutions to keep as many parks open as
possible," said Hartley. "With more than 100 state parks at risk of closure, it
is more important than ever for Californians, nonprofits, private companies,
local governments and legislators to come together to save them."

Save the Redwoods League encourages park visitors and supporters to act now to
help save parks:

* Send a message to your elected officials urging them to take action to stop
parks closures by visiting: http://savetheredwoods.org/voice.
* Visit redwood parks this summer.
* Stay informed by visiting http://savetheredwoods.org/voice.

Editors, please note:Interviews available with Ruskin Hartley, executive
director of Save the Redwoods League,by contacting Heather Platisha at
415.359.2306/heather@landispr.com or Jessica Lee at
415.359.2312/jessica@landispr.com.

About Save the Redwoods League

For more than 90 years, Save the Redwoods League has been dedicated to
protecting the ancient redwood forests so all generations can experience the
inspiration and majesty of redwoods. In 1850, there were nearly 2 million acres
of ancient coast redwood forests in California. Today, less than 5 percent
remains and faces threats from logging, development and global climate change.
Since its founding in 1918, the League has completed the purchase of more than
181,000 acres of land. For more information, visit savetheredwoods.org.

Landis Communications, Inc.
Heather Platisha, 415-359-2305
heather@landispr.com
Jessica Lee, 415-359-2312
jessica@landispr.com
www.landispr.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009