Better then we feared...

It's hard to believe that we would be sighing relief with the news that the Big Five is proposing a
$8 million cut for State Parks!

In the words of the California State Parks Foundation, "several sources are confirming that $70 million of the park system's General Fund allocation will be eliminated, with $62 million backfilled by other funding sources on what appears to be a one-time basis. This leaves the state park system with an $8 million gap, and is expected to result in park closures. At this time, there is not a list of certain closures, we do not know how many or which parks may be closed as a result of the budget deal."

The final budget will go before the Legislature for approval on Thursday or Friday.

Our hope at this time is that the cuts will be decided locally by the District Superintendent and their staff. We hope that our local parks might stay open, but with reduced services. State Parks is saying that they will be looking to their park partners to assist, which means that Stewards will be called upon to do more.

I cannot say it better then Traci Verardo-Torres from the Foundation, "the fact that we're looking at a much more scaled-down version of park cuts than we started with eight weeks ago is welcome news. It is certainly a testament to the Save Our State Parks Campaign, the tens of thousands of Californians – like you! – who stood up for their parks, and the efforts of all of us that we've stared down such a draconian proposal."

On behalf of Stewards, I thank you all for your incredible support. I encourage you to support our upcoming events, which will provide Stewards will the much needed funding that we need to assist our parks in staying open and minimizing the loss of services.

Michele

Support Stewards' Gourmet Hike
Food and Wine Event

July 25, 2009, 1:00 to 5:00 pm
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Stewards needs your support and our next 75th Anniversary of Armstrong Redwoods fund raiser is a great and reasonable way to support our efforts and have a memorable time in the park as well.

Tickets are $30 per person or 2 for $50.
Ticket reservations are available online or by mail or phone.

The Gourmet Hike Food and Wine Event will meander through the old growth redwoods of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Guests will begin their journey in the group picnic area and proceed along the Pioneer Trail where they will stop to partake in gourmet appetizers prepared by local chefs and Sonoma County premier wines. Entertainment along the trail will enhance the magic of the walk through the towering, majestic giants. Docents will also be available to share some of the natural and cultural history of the park. The final and fifth stop will be the historic Redwood Forest Theatre where birthday cake and champagne will be served as guests listen to music and socialize in a venue that has been used since the 1930s for treasured theatrical and musical events.

Food and Wine Sponsors include: Applewood Inn, Highland Dell, Coffee Bazaar, Chef Patrick's, Helena Gustavsson, Korbel, Barefoot Wine and Bubbly, Harvest Moon, Moshin Vineyards, and Clos du Bois.

Other sponsors include: Russian River Getaways, PG & E, Russian River Recreation and Park District, Russian River Chamber of Commerce, Guerneville Graphics, Fern Grove Cottages, Bohemian, West County Gazette, Sonoma West Times and News, KRCB, Sophies Cellars, 3 Seasons Resort, Gene Gaffney Insurance, Russian River Times and Donna Roper.

Upcoming EcoAdventures

Red Hill Photography Hike with Harvey Mendelson
“There’s a Picture in the Picture”
Sunday, August 2, 2009, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Join Harvey for a hike to Red Hill and learn how to get to the real picture when you photograph nature. Harvey has a beautiful collection of photographs that he took on the John Muir Trail using this technique. Meet at Shell Beach. Dress in layers, wear sturdy walking shoes, sun protection (hat and sun screen). bring a camera and tripod if you have one, lenses, extra batteries. Also bring a lunch, water, and something to sit on. Limited to 20, $15 per person donation, Stewards members FREE. Register online.

Full Moon Paddle on the Russian River Estuary with Watertreks
Tuesday August 4, 2009, 6:00 – 9:30 pm – Meet at the Jenner Visitor Center

We Return By Moonlight!Join Suki Waters, owner of Watertreks for a grand sunset and full moon paddling experience on the Russian River Estuary in Jenner. Wildlife & History Interpretation. Dress in layers with a waterproof layer on top. $15 per person donation, Stewards members FREE. Limited to 20.
For reservations contact Suki at watertreks@yahoo.com, or 707-865-2249.
Kayak rentals - $35 per person, Water Resistant Tops, Bottoms and Dry Bags included with Rentals.

Rick Royer's Retirement Party

Make a reservation to attend on August 1, 2009 from 2:00 to 6:00 in the Group Picnic area at Armstrong Redwoods to Celebrate.

Download FLYER for reservation details.
Cost is $15 per person for BBQ and gift.

For more information, contact Linda at:
707-865-3121 or 707-869-8114 or lirath@parks.ca.gov
RSVP and pay by July 24
Checks payable to: Linda Rath
Send photos, Name, Address, Phone, Email, # of guests, Vegetarian (yes or no) and money to:
Linda Rath
16901 Armstrong Woods Rd.
Guerneville, CA 95446

After over 30 years, Rick Royer, Russian River District Interpretive Specialist is retiring. Rick has been a loyal supporter of Stewards since the beginning when he actually served as Executive Secretary. This was in the day when park staff could be on the board's of Cooperating Associations. Rick was also the Association CAL for many years and helped Stewards achieve many goals. He was involved in our first Strategic Plan, the renovation of our office building and Volunteer Center and the new acquisition to Willow Creek in 2005.

Renew or Become a Member of Stewards Today
Your support is needed now more then ever as we fight to keep our State Parks accessible to all
of us who love them so dearly.

Michele Luna, Executive Director
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods