Budget
cuts are threatening the future of California's state parks system.
Seventy state parks, about one-fourth of the state's parks system, are
slated for closure.
Among the treasures facing closure by July 1, 2012
are Grizzly Creek Redwoods on the north coast, Castle Crags at the
southern edge of the Cascades, the former Governors Mansion in
Sacramento, Morro Strand State Beach on the central coast, Mono Lake
Tufa State Reserve in the eastern Sierra, Providence Mountains State
Recreation Area in the Mojave Desert, and McGrath State Beach, a
fabulous birdwatching area on the coast north of Los Angeles.
A new state law allows the state to contract with qualified non-profit
organizations to operate and maintain state parks. The new law offers a
reprieve for state parks, as long as committed organizations and
volunteers step up to keep parks open for everyone to enjoy.
