Groundspeak Portal

This is not yet a waymark category proposal - as a matter of fact, I hope it will never come to that. But: In order to save $70 million, the State of California considers closing 220 state parks, state historic parks and state beaches. Here is the complete list:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/images/090528closedlist.pdf

I would like to urge my fellow Californians to go out and register as many of these parks as possible under the existing categories "State Parks" and "Beaches", while they are still open. Should it really come to the closure, we can then discuss routing them all over to a new category called "Lost Treasures." This might be the last chance to get a comprehensive collection of pictures and descriptions of something our trusted leaders are about to throw away.

We went through this last year in Illinois with only 20 selected sites (supposedly with low visitation). 

They were reopened shortly after the new governor took office, but the threat is still there under this year's budget.

PA is going through the same thing, I believe.

But I do not think your fear of permenant closings will come to pass.  They still have to provide security to the sites to prevent trespassing, which means to me they will be reopened sooner rather than later.  It is easier (and cheaper) to invite guests than to ask them to leave.

Great idea! I'm glad you posted this. In fact I was thinking of posting it to the forums today also. Here's a link that was emailed to me with a map of the closures. http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/budget%20fact%20sheet%20w-graphics%20-%2001-14-08.pdf
If you start that category, let me know.

dopeyduck:

Great idea! I'm glad you posted this. In fact I was thinking of posting it to the forums today also. Here's a link that was emailed to me with a map of the closures. http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/budget%20fact%20sheet%20w-graphics%20-%2001-14-08.pdf
If you start that category, let me know.

I don't think you should start a cat.  I think you should get them posted in the correct park cat, and then if they're closed, just change the short description to say that.

Until they reopen.

0ccam:

I don't think you should start a cat.  I think you should get them posted in the correct park cat...

That is precisely what I suggested when I started this thread. It was not so much about a new category but about getting things on your "to-do-list" done. We've been meaning to go to the parks in and around Sacramento for the last three years, but there was always something more important to do. So this is not about a new category but about adding these Parks to the existing category before they get boarded off.

Oh, California is just messed up!  Choke, choke.

Okay, I guess I understand the money thing, but it just seems to me that cutting jobs is not the way to go.  California is so rich in history and nature!  Aren't there better things to close?  Though, it does sound as if they're saving as much as they can.

Well, we'll be visiting my older daughter in Pasadena in July, right after her sister's wedding in New Hamphsire.  (She lives not far from where both she and my father were born in Pasadena).  Don't know if we'll be at any of these sites, but I'll take a look.  Thanks for the alert!

It seems the Florida Legislature has been talking to California as we are facing similiar cuts here in the name of low visitation.

the federation:

It seems the Florida Legislature has been talking to California as we are facing similiar cuts here in the name of low visitation.

Obviously closing the parks will increase visitation...

By closing the parks, people will get hooked on the free entry price, then visit them more and more until they can't help themselves. Then it will be a simple matter to restore staff and people will understand that a modest charge is needed to provide the better services...

Anyone want a cigarette?

BQ

the blue quasar:

the federation:

It seems the Florida Legislature has been talking to California as we are facing similiar cuts here in the name of low visitation.

Obviously closing the parks will increase visitation...

By closing the parks, people will get hooked on the free entry price, then visit them more and more until they can't help themselves. Then it will be a simple matter to restore staff and people will understand that a modest charge is needed to provide the better services...

Anyone want a cigarette?

BQ

Only you can prevent forest fires. Oh, sorry wrong category.

Traditionally the state parks in California are operated off of funds generated by hunting and fishing licenses, park fees and illegal game fines. Also a limited amount of money is brought in by voter approved funds. The reasons for the closures are merely political ploy and have nothing to do with the costs.
 About sixteen years ago the state of California tried the same thing, but some worthwhile reporters discovered that the employment earnings of  the park workers and game wardens were through the generated fines of poachers, and in fact these fines created a surplus.It is also a known fact that in a depressed economy that people do not make long travel vacations, but do make more visits to local parks as they are a lower cost.
 This is a good example of the foolishness of our politicians. They do not make deep studies before reallocating public funds. They are cutting programs that generate funds. An old saying comes to mind: Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. The statement is true now as the day it was first spoke.
 

b.b.wolf:

An old saying comes to mind: Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. The statement is true now as the day it was first spoke.
 

I've heard that before but didn't think it was worth remembering. Oh-oh!

BQ

Traditionally the state parks in California are operated off of funds generated by hunting and fishing licenses, park fees and illegal game fines.

Considering that the Governor is suggesting cutting 240 million dollars from the California State Parks budget, that is quite an amazing claim

Same thing is happening in New Hampshire!!

New Hampshire State Park Closures Proposed

We'll be there in a few weeks . . . .