Protect Our Parks
Our parks let us experience nature and preserve California’s history. They offer a place for wildlife to thrive, and contribute billions to local economies. Yet from Anderson Marsh to Palomar Mountain to Samuel P. Taylor, our state parks are closing.
Happening now: State parks locking their gates
Last June, Gov. Jerry Brown announced a shortsighted plan to close 70 state parks. Parts of Anderson Marsh, Palomar Mountain, Samuel P. Taylor have already closed.
Why do we think closing our state parks is the wrong way to go? Many reasons:
It's not just that the value of the places we love — including the rugged forest of Portola Redwoods, Candlestick Point and its scenic views of San Francisco Bay, the family-friendly beach at Twin Lakes, and so many others — can't be measured in mere dollars and cents.
It's not just that our state parks have been explored and enjoyed by generations of California families — and it's our responsibility to give the next generation a chance to treasure them, too.
The amazing thing about this debate is that the parks contribute far more to our economy than they cost the state — including an estimated $88 million in direct revenue each year. Why on earth would we close them down, especially with our economy still struggling?
At stake: Nearly 25% of our state parks
Among the state treasures we’ll lose if 70 parks close as scheduled: More than 250 miles of trails for camping, hiking, horseback riding and bird-watching at Henry W. Coe State Park in Northern California; the chance to spot wildlife from the striking bluffs of Gray Whale Cove State Beach on the Central Coast; and a rare adobe structure at Pio Pico State Park in Southern California — home of California’s last governor under Mexican rule.
Our parks let us experience nature and preserve California’s history. They offer a place for wildlife to thrive, and contribute billions to local economies.
It’s bad enough that many of California’s parks are suffering from underfunding and neglect. The last thing we should do is shutter the parks that families depend upon for a chance to experience nature’s beauty and explore our state’s history.
We can keep our parks from closing
If enough Californians speak out, we can stop this wrong-headed decision — just like we did back in 2009, when then-Gov. Schwarzenegger announced a plan to close 220 state parks. We helped lead the public outcry that saved our state parks then, and in the last few months, we’ve swung back into action. Thanks to Environment California members and supporters:
- Gov. Brown received more than 15,000 emails urging him to keep our parks open.
- We’ve collected more than 400 personal photos showing statewide love for our parks.
- Those photos were displayed in a full-page color ad in Capitol Weekly, where Gov. Brown and his staff are sure to see them.
- More than 100 businesses have signed on to our campaign — a fact that carries serious weight with policy-makers.
- Our staff has met with key government officials and convinced them to sign appeals to Gov. Brown, urging him to keep our parks open.
- We’ve testified before the State Assembly on the negative impacts park closures will have on both our natural heritage and our economy.
If enough of us speak out, we can keep our state parks from closing — but we need you to get involved. Join our campaign by adding your name to the growing list of Californians who are standing up for state parks.
Urge Gov. Brown not to close our state parks.
Key Facts
- 70 parks up and down the state have been targeted for closure.
- Each year, 85 million people visit our parks to hike, swim, picnic and learn more about our state.
- Our state parks bring $4.32 billion per year to local communities; closing 70 would save just $22 million.
- Our parks protect a huge array of wildlife, including bald eagles, snowy plovers, valley quail, redwood trees and the California poppy — many of which are threatened or endangered.