June 20, 2008

Memorandum

TO: Senator Denise Ducheny, Chair
Budget Conference Committee

FROM: Monica Miller, Legislative Advocate
California State Park Rangers Association

RE: SUPPORT - Budget Item 3790-001-0001 - Department of Parks and Recreation, Page 144, Issue numbers 099, 101, 302

On behalf of the California State Park Rangers Association I would like to urge your support of the Assembly version related to State parks. California's state park system is in a state of decline and disrepair. This year has illustrated very starkly how underfunded the system is. When the Governor proposed to close 48 state parks (17% of the entire system) and reduce lifeguard staffing on 16 of the state's most popular beaches - only to gain $13.3 million in General Fund savings - it revealed the truly precarious fiscal health of California's state parks. Foregoing basic annual maintenance and upkeep has resulted in a $1.2 billion backlog of deferred maintenance. Additionally, inadequate staffing levels means that many units of the park system have no dedicated full-time staff, decreased visitor support, a lack of regular staffing to collect needed entrance fees, and few or no educational programs available to visitors.

The funding will be used by the Department of Parks and Recreation to address important maintenance and operational needs of the state park system, such as repairing and improving visitor services and facilities in state parks. Funds may also be used to serve the public in a variety of capacities - law enforcement, safety, interpretive and educational programs, among others.

CSPRA is an organization of park professionals dedicated to advancement of the highest principles of public service, established to support and preserve California State Parks for present and future generations.

For these reasons and many more, we encourage the Budget Conference Committee to support the Assembly Version for this budget item. Should you have any questions or need additional details, please don't hesitate to contact me at 916-448-8240