Environmental Leaders Paint Grim Picture of True Cost of Park Closures

[jason]

The impending closure of 70 state parks would spell disaster for the economy, wreak havoc on public health and jeopardize one of the greatest assets California has, said panel of local and state environmental leaders speaking at a public hearing held in Santa Rosa Friday.

The hearing, organized by Assembly member Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), was aimed at discussing alternatives to the closures, announced last month and which would cut the state parks’ budget by $22 million.

“Never before have we had to take this kind of action to close the people’s parks, ” Huffman told a crowd of more than 200 people gathered at Spring Lake Regional Park, which is linked to Annadel State Park, one of the parks on the list. "These closures come at a time when many families are struggling financially and when visiting state parks is one of the most affordable activities for folks on a limited income.”

more Environmental Leaders Paint Grim Picture of True Cost of Park Closures - Sonoma, CA Patch

[Camoguy]

It's a shame they can't find another way to cut the budget. He's right about a lot of families will miss the visits to the state parks. Sometimes, all you can do it go out and camp or have a picnic for cryin' out loud. Very bad.

[dinosaur]

Here is one case where I have to agree with the environmentalists at least partially. I do not generally agree wholeheartedly with them because they always paint a picture of impending doom - MAJOR DISASTER.

In this case, it's just bad. The little guy, a U.S. citizen, trying to make a go of it for his family, is the first to get stepped on. You'd think the Sate of California could find some places in its' excessive and ofttimes wasteful budget to make cuts other than those directly affecting its' hardworking core population.

[Grandpa]

They could probably fund the entire system just with the fuel used by Gov Arnie flying back and forth between Ketchum and Sacramento.