January-February Wave Newsletter
President's Message

by Kevin Buchanan, CSPRA President

Winter is a beautiful and special time of year. Throughout much of the state, the distinct separation of the seasons is often so subtle; it is hard to notice the difference. In winter though, we can count on clouds gracing the sky, a few drops of rain, the hills turning green and leaves falling from the trees. I never take for granted the diversity of scenery that Mother Nature has to offer at this time of year. Winter reminds me of special occasions that I spent camping in the snow and ice of the wilderness with my father and brother during my youth.

In many of our historic parks, winter provides an opportunity to glimpse into the past, by interpreting how generations of Californian's may have celebrated the holidays or spent their time when the days grew shorter. It is fascinating to see the amount of volunteer and docent support that there is, in interpreting an event such as Christmas in the Adobes in Monterey. Something as simple as visiting a lighthouse can provide park visitors with a glimpse of what life was like during winter months, if you were a mariner without modern navigational devices.

Throughout the year, we in California State Parks are holding true to the Department's mission to provide a wide variety of opportunities to reach the people in the state at some level. I believe that the public at large supports us and appreciates what we do for them. The support that is there can be seen in the passage of the last two park bonds, in addition to a large increase in park attendance.

As we enter a new year we are faced with a great deal of uncertainty, as the economic prognosis of California looks bleak into the foreseeable future. The state and our department have not seen a downturn of this magnitude since the days of the Phoenix Committee and Reorganization. Much has changed in our department since the last big recession, which may help us weather the current economic storm.

As the new fiscal year draws nearer, CSPRA will work closely with Governmental Advocates, Inc. and our park partners to convince the members of the legislature of the importance of parks to the people of California. Many of the things that we are doing now, that came out of the last recession, such as performance based budgeting, bring our department a lot of respect from the legislature.

I know many of us at times may not care to compile all the statistics that go with performance based budgeting, but the legislature appreciates the fact that we are able to demonstrate cause and effect with the money we are given. I will hope that DPR's being considered responsible with the financial resources we are given from the general fund, combined with public support, will ease us through these difficult times.

I will look forward to seeing most CSPRA members, employees from DPR and other park employees from throughout the state, at the Parks Conference at Lake Tahoe. Many park professionals from around the state have worked hard on making the Tahoe conference, not only a great professional experience, but also a fun family vacation. I am sure that all who are in attendance will appreciate the efforts of the dedicated people who planned the event from start to finish.