Worried about that huge padlock that may be clamped onto the entrance to Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park once — if — the guvnr shuts ‘er down, along with 47 other beloved state parks across California? That’s his idea, as part of a budget nip that critics say will save little but wound many.
Well, then, hie thee to the California State Parks Foundation’s new “Save Our State Parks” (SOS) campaign website. There, you can read up on the budget cut plan and all the parks it could impact, and take action. There’s also a section where you can wax poetic and nostalgic, or outraged and forceful, about your own particular favorite state park which, quite likely, is on the shut-down list.
Of course, if the campaign fails, there’s always the other, less agreeable option for getting past locked gates (it’s the first item). Not that we’re recommending it.
This article appears in Backstage Pass.
Not just Grizzly Creek. Large parts of Del Norte Coast Redwoods will be off-limits this summer as well. And budget cuts already planned have eliminated virtually all state park interpretive services at Prairie Creek, Jed Smith, and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Parks. The parks will be open, but with minimal campground staffing and visitor centers only open by the grace of intrepid volunteers and bookstore staff. A tough summer in the works for all the state parks.
Call your representatives. Call the governor. If ya like the parks, you gotta do something about it or else they’ll fade away.