Local Government Fact Sheet
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California's 278 state parks are priceless public assets, important economic engines, much-needed recreational outlets and a vital legacy for our children and grandchildren. Chronic underfunding is starving state parks, causing them to fall severely behind in needed maintenance and repairs. Twice in the past two years, state parks were on the brink of being shut down. Last year, nearly 150 state parks were shut down part‐time or suffered deep service reductions because of budget cuts, and more park closure proposals and budget cuts are expected this year.
A statewide ballot measure, slated for November, has been prepared that will will establish a dedicated and reliable funding stream for state parks and natural resources to ensure they can be enjoyed for generations to come. In exchange for free year-round day-use admission to California's state parks and beaches, Californians will pay an $18 fee as part of the annual vehicle license fee (except for larger commercial vehicles, mobile homes and permanent trailers) to support state parks.
State Parks Contribute to the Local Economy
| Every year, California’s 278 state parks attract millions of tourists, who spend $4.32 billion annually in park-related expenditures. A recent study found that state park visitors spend an average of $57.63 in neighboring communities each visit. Visitors generate so much local economic activity that every dollar spent on state parks creates another $2.35 for California’s treasury. |
State Parks Measure Restores Vital Money to California's General Fund
| With a new dedicated revenue stream in place, more than $130 million of General Fund dollars – that provide a portion of overall state park funding – will now be available for other vital needs that impact local government services and funding, including education, health care, social services and public safety. |
State Parks Bring Recreational and Educational Benefits to Local Communities
| In addition to the economic benefit of increased tourism, local communities benefit greatly from the assets of the California state park system. The state parks give local residents a place to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, as well as learn about the state’s history, culture and natural resources. A state park nearby means that families, schools and others have a year-round playground and classroom to explore. Yet without a reliable source of funding, these important resources could be lost forever. |
State Parks Measure Provides Funding to Local Government
| The initiative provides grants to local government agencies that administer/manage state parks so that those agencies will continue to receive the day-use fees they currently collect. With this protection, local agencies will be able to continue to keep the state parks in their community open to the public. |
| The initiative will provide dedicated funding to local public agencies and conservancies for parks and wildlife conservation efforts. |
Broad Coalition Supporting 2010 State Parks Measure
| Supporters of this initiative include The Nature Conservancy, local elected officials throughout California, Public Health Institute, California Action for Healthy Kids, California State Conference of the NAACP, California Teachers Association, California Federation of Teachers, Sierra Club California, Audubon California, Save the Redwoods League, Peninsula Open Space Trust, California Travel Industry Association, The Trust for Public Land, California State Lifeguard Association and the California State Parks Foundation. Join the effort to save California’s state parks today! |
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