Closing California State Parks?

Yesterday, Governor Schwarzenegger proposed shutting down 48 state parks, beaches, and reserves as part of an effort to close California's $14 billion budget gap. Parks throughout the state would be affected, including Henry Coe, if the budget passed. (You can see a map of the proposed parks here.)

According to the state's budget summary, closing the parks would save the state $14.3 million by cutting 129.2 positions. Stated another way, the closures would reduce the budget gap by 0.1%. I realize "every bit helps", but when the bits are that tiny and involve tenths of a ranger, it seems ridiculous.

In addition, park personnel lucky enough to still have a job after the cuts would have the happy responsibility of patrolling the closed parks to ensure troublemakers like hikers and backpackers stayed out. That seems silly (and a poor use of reduced funds), too.

I'm hoping the closures don't come to pass and I've already emailed my local legislators (find yours here), but to be on the safe side, I plan to get in as many visits as I can to Henry Coe and other nearby parks over the next 45 days, just in case the state puts a giant "Closed" sign on the gates.

A few other bloggers have reacted to the Governor's proposal, including Tom at Two-Heel Drive, Modern Hiker, and the folks at Get Outdoors.