Lets dump the Integrated Waste Management Board (saving about 1 million) and keep Sutter's Fort and a few other parks open.

Closing parks is a disastrous mistake. Parks generate tourism and economic effects far beyond the expenses of keeping them open--a study conducted last year (in response to proposed cuts a tenth the size of this year's plan) showed that a dollar spent on parks generated two dollars in local tax revenue.

When people visit California's parks, they don't just spend money at the park--they also spend money on restaurants, hotels, transportation, gifts, and other incidentals. Many economic sectors already hard-hit by the recession will be hurt by park closures. The chilling effect on California's economy will mean even less state revenue. Private businesses that benefit from parks and tourist attractions will suffer, which means more unemployment.

Also, sometimes closing parks doesn't even save any money! You can't just hang a CLOSED sign on a park and lock the door. Closure of parks means ongoing maintenance and security costs to keep people out of the parks--so they will still require security staff, whose job will be to kick people out instead of ensuring the safety of visitors. Buildings and sites containing irreplaceable architectural treasures and cultural heritage sites will have to be shuttered and locked up, risking vandalism and damage, even occupation by desperate squatters--again, unless expensive security (that could cost as much as simply keeping the site open) is used. Reopening these parks at a later date will also be expensive and complex, as the damage and decay resulting from their closure will have to be reversed, and the trained staff that are laid off will have to be replaced and retrained.

Closure of state parks is penny-wise and pound-foolish. It saves a little money but will cost much more in the long run.

Excellent comments Mr. Burg. So true. When I worked for the Dept. of Labor I worked on a study that showed experiential based tourism is a huge economic driver for local economies. This is a disasterous plan.

The California State Park system is an important historical, natural, and educational resource for current and future generations. They also bring money into local communities. Many people worldwide enjoy the parks - some of their comments can be seen on the web site: Save California State Parks from Closure - The Petition Site. There are organizations such as California State Parks Association working hard to keep the parks; the one thing that needs to happen is for top California and national groups (Audobon, Natural Conservacy, Sierra Club, NRDC, and others to work together for an improved park system that also meets the governor's directive that they pay their own way. Right now there is too much "me-ism" in solving the parks and revenue issue. California States Park Association needs to start working with other groups - they seem to be in it for themselves. In addition Native American groups should be consulted as they have a philosophy of park conservancy and should also be invited to work hand in hand on the state parks issue. RIght now there is too much silo-ism across the groups that could save the California State Parks for future generations.

The state parks are important: Save a Park - Save A Tree - Save the Future. Enjoy a state park today.

California State Parks Foundation has sent over 104,000 faxes and emails to Sacramento to save our state parks and beaches. Please add your name and personal story to this list at www.calparks.org/takeaction

Their Facebook page now has over 20,000 fans too!! http://www.facebook.com/pages/California-State-Parks-Foundation/51483280208