Proposed Ballot Measure Filed to Protect California State Parks & Conserve Wildlife

Proposed Ballot Measure Filed to Protect California State Parks & Conserve
Wildlife
Adoption of Parks Access Fee Would Grant Californians Free, Year-Round
Admission To All State Parks

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- An exploratory committee comprised
of parks supporters today filed a proposed statewide ballot measure, called
the "California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010,"
which would create a stable, reliable and adequate source of funding to
protect state parks and conserve California wildlife.

The committee, Californians for State Parks and Wildlife Conservation, is
currently considering the feasibility of the proposed ballot measure. If it
decides to go forward with the initiative and qualify it for the ballot, via
signature gathering, the statutory measure would appear on the November 2010
statewide ballot. Early supporters of the proposed ballot measure include
California State Parks Foundation, The Nature Conservancy and Save the
Redwoods League.

From the vast stretches of sandy beaches along California's magnificent
coastline to the towering redwoods and much-needed recreational areas in the
state's bustling urban centers, California's 278 state parks, which include
state beaches and state historic parks, are priceless public assets and a
vital legacy for our children and grandchildren.

However, budget cuts have starved state parks, causing them to accumulate a
backlog of more than $1 billion in needed maintenance and repairs. Roofs and
sewage systems leak, restrooms are not cleaned regularly, bridges have
collapsed, trails are washed out, campgrounds and visitor centers are
shuttered and buildings and structures throughout the system are badly
deteriorated. Thousands of scenic acres are closed to the public because of
reductions in park rangers, and crime has more than doubled. Destruction and
vandalism of the parks themselves has grown fourfold, and beachgoers are often
unprotected because of decreases in lifeguards.

Twice in the past two years, state parks were on the brink of being shut down.
Only last-minute budget reprieves kept them open. But nearly 60 state parks
will be shut down part-time or their hours of operation reduced because of
this year's budget cuts, and more park closure proposals and budget cuts are
expected next year.

"California state parks are in peril because of chronic underfunding," said
Elizabeth Goldstein, President of the California State Parks Foundation. "Our
state parks were once considered the best in the nation, and now they're
falling apart and threatened with closure because they have no reliable source
of funding. This parks measure would create a dedicated funding source to
prevent park closures, eliminate a backlog of more than a billion dollars in
repairs and properly maintain parks and other natural resources for our
children and grandchildren to enjoy."

The ballot measure would protect state parks and conserve wildlife by
establishing the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund in the state
treasury where, by law, it could only be spent on state parks, urban river
parkways, wildlife, natural lands and ocean conservation programs. Funding for
the Trust Fund would come from an $18 annual State Park Access Pass surcharge
on all California vehicles, including motorcycles and recreational vehicles.
Larger commercial vehicles, mobile homes and permanent trailers would be
exempt. Vehicles subject to the surcharge would receive free, year-round
admission to all state parks throughout the year. Californians will no longer
pay day-use fees at any state parks. In comparison, park visitors currently
pay up to $125 for an annual pass or $10-$15 per day at most parks.
Out-of-state vehicles would continue to pay full entrance fees at parks.

"California's 278 state parks are priceless public assets, a vital legacy for
future generations and essential to strengthening our economy," said Mike
Sweeney, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy in California. "This
ballot measure would protect these vital resources and give more Californians
access to our state parks by providing free admission to the occupants of all
vehicles paying the State Park Access Pass surcharge. This is a small
investment that will provide great long-term returns for the health and
well-being of our parks and people."

Rather than living on a budget rollercoaster, state parks and other natural
resources would now be funded by a reliable funding stream that would not be
used for other purposes. And, with a new dedicated revenue stream in place,
state General Fund dollars - that have historically provided a portion of
overall state parks funding - would now be available for other vital needs,
like schools, health care, social services or public safety.

"In these trying times, it's essential we keep the parks open to protect a
crucial economic engine for California," said Ruskin Hartley, Executive
Director of the Save the Redwoods League. "California state parks also play a
critical role in conserving our natural resources by protecting natural areas
that are sources of clean air and water and provide essential habitats for
wildlife. This measure would help conserve lands that are vital to the health
of people and nature."

The voters' investment would be protected by strict fiscal and accountability
safeguards, including an annual audit by the State Auditor and a Citizens'
Oversight Committee would be created to ensure funds are spent appropriately.
The State Legislature would not be able to reallocate the Trust Fund for any
other uses.

State parks attract millions of tourists, who spend $4.32 billion annually on
park-related expenditures in California, according to a recent study. It found
state parks visitors spend an average of $57.63 in surrounding communities per
visit. They generate so much economic activity that every dollar the state
spends on state parks generates another $2.35 for California's treasury.

The California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010
was developed by a statewide coalition of interests committed to protecting
state parks and natural resources. California's 278 state parks are priceless
public assets, important economic engines, and a vital legacy for our children
and grandchildren. However, persistent budget cuts are starving state parks,
causing them to fall severely behind in needed maintenance and repairs. The
measure would establish a dedicated and reliable funding stream for state
parks and natural resources to ensure they can be enjoyed for generations to
come.

SOURCE Californians for State Parks and Wildlife Conservation

Fiona Hutton, fhutton@fionahuttonassoc.com, or Ann Newton,
anewton@fionahuttonassoc.com, both for Californians for State Parks and
Wildlife Conservation, +1-818-760-2121