Opinion

State parks' reprieve is temporary ON OUR STATE PARKS

The news that many of our state parks were saved from closure appeared in countless headlines, but what Californians must understand is that this is simply a short-term fix. We are far from a true solution to the lack of long-term, reliable funding for our state parks.

Nearly all of the parks slated to be closed to save money on July 1 received some form of reprieve to stay open temporarily. But for many, "open" is a loose term. While they may not be closed entirely, many parks will have very limited hours. Visitors may still find state parks closed for the majority of the week.

An array of organizations, businesses and communities has come forward in hopes of avoiding the shuttering of state parks. The support we've seen from private businesses and individuals is truly a testament to how great our parks system is, and how critical state parks are to California - not just for recreation but also for California's economy.

With more than 65 million visits annually, California's 279 state parks are an important economic engine. Businesses located in and around these parks and their employees depend on park visitors for their economic survival.

Thus, as state parks significantly cut back hours this summer, the businesses surrounding them surely will see fewer customers coming around as well.

Amid the current economic downturn, it would seem shortsighted to turn off or turn down these vital economic engines. Business leaders recognize this, as do many others. But that is exactly what was supposed to happen on July 1, when one-fourth of the state park system was slated for closure.

If we hadn't seen this outpouring of support from businesses and individuals, this is what would have happened. These temporary funding sources could run dry in just a few months, and then state parks will face the threat of full closure again.

That is no way to run a system that is responsible for generating $6 billion in sorely needed economic benefit to the state.

We need to get out of this cycle and develop and implement a master plan for California's state parks that can lay out our collective priorities, our expectations and our vision for a system that can be sustained.

Some parks have a little breathing room this year - let's use the time to develop a realistic plan that will ensure stability for parks and the businesses that surround them.

Our organization has joined with the California State Parks Foundation's campaign to mobilize chambers of commerce, visitor bureaus and businesses throughout the state to oppose state park closures.

It is time for all of us to recognize and support these priceless public assets and protect the jobs and businesses that rely on them.