9/18/09
Well, it sure has been an interesting and frustrating week in regards to news about PARK CLOSURES!
We thought we would finally hear about which parks are closing after the list made it to the Governor's office, but then we heard the announcement was again delayed. There was lots of speculation about why and what was going on. Then yesterday, the reasons became more clear when an internal State Park memo was leaked to the organization, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.
Basically, the memo draws attention to the many legal ramifications that could result from closing many State Parks. The memo cites:
- Breach of concession contracts
- Liability for fires that might start on closed parklands
- Liability for not providing services, such as lifeguards on State beaches.
- Not adhering to funding agreements that require that parklands purchased with these funds be accessible to the public.
- Breach of a court-ordered ruling that State Parks make ADA improvements by 2016.
- The need for a coastal development permit to close coastal parks.
Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. (This link will take you to more information, the memo and other interesting related links.)
Also, now Annadel State Park has been reported to be on the closure list, just as Fort Ross was a few weeks ago. Parks supporters are dismayed by this news and ready to fight to keep them open. This is a good thing - it's going to take everyone in our communities across the State to rally around keeping our parks open.
We are hopeful that our beloved Armstrong Redwoods might be spared a place on "the list" this time, but we are expecting to hear of seasonal closures and reduced services in Austin Creek and some beach locations on Sonoma Coast. Those details have not yet been released .
I have been telling you that Stewards is ready to jump into action as soon as the list is made public. This is still true and we are making more progress with our ideas and talking to other key agencies and elected officials in Sonoma County. We will work towards short-term solutions (over the next two years) and a long-term solution.
Our long-term solution is still the State Park Access Pass (SPAP), a $15 surcharge on our vehicle license fee. The feasibility of this option is still being explored by a number of statewide environmental and conservation groups. We are disappointed that after two tries, we have not been able to get the support we need from our state legislature. This means that we would be on our own to raise the money needed to put this measure on the ballot in November of 2010. There are many challenges ahead and we will not give up.
I have been interviewed two times this week to bring attention to this issue and also to promote our Old Grove Festival. I have more interviews scheduled this coming week and I will be testifying at a hearing on Tuesday, September 22, before the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee. This is an informational hearing on park closures and partnerships. Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) is convening this meeting in Sausalito and there will be an opportunity for the public to express their concern about our state parks.
Click here to find out more details about the meeting and how to participate.
Date: September 22, 2009
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Callippe Room at Cavallo Point.
601 Murray Circle (Fort Baker)
Sausalito, CA 94965
You can help by paying your fees at park entrances and donating when fees are not required. Also, when you see a park employee, take a moment to thank them for all their hard work and dedication. They are taking 3 furlough days without pay each month and dealing with the stress of not knowing what might happen to their jobs if parks close.
As we tackle these important issues, let's all remember to take some time to get out and enjoy our State Parks while we can. They are treasures that we are very fortunate to have in our backyards. Speaking of enjoying your State Parks, I can offer you a fantastic experience at our Old Grove Festival on the weekend of September 25, 26 & 27! Check out the details below.
My Best,
Michele
Michele Luna can be reached at mluna@mcn.org or (707) 869-9177 x4#.
