Urge Your Legislator to Support Park Protection Bills

In the midst of the devastating proposal to close state parks, the state Legislature has an opportunity to step and enact strong policies to protect our park lands from damaging development and infrastructure projects. Now, more than ever, we need to make sure that these places that have been specifically set aside for their natural, cultural or historic value are not made vulnerable to development projects or other proposals that would use parks for non-park purposes.

Your letter will be sent to your Assemblymember.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Support State Park Protection Bills SB 372 and SB 679

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I'm writing to urge you to support Senate Bill 372 (Kehoe) and Senate Bill 679 (Wolk) in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. These bills are needed to protect the investment California has made in our state park system. Especially with the Governor's park closure proposal threatening 80 percent of our state park system, now, more than ever, we need to ensure that this state asset remains strong and protected.

SB 372 (Kehoe) requires that alterations or modifications to state parks that are inconsistent with park purposes be enacted only upon an act of the Legislature, and only after recommendation from the State Park and Recreation Commission. The bill is modeled on existing law that requires review and legislative action prior to alteration of wilderness areas. SB 679 (Wolk) simply says that lands used as state parks cannot be used for non-park purposes without the provision of substitute lands of equal environmental and fair market value that enable Californians to continue to access park resources. If there is truly a competing public good that must be served by using park lands for non-park purposes, it is critical that the public's investment in our state park system is made whole.

Millions of Californians visit our state parks to access affordable vacation destinations, learn about California history and culture, connect with nature, and much more. In doing so, they are benefiting from a legacy that began over 100 years ago. Through supporting bonds, volunteering, making contributions and, of course, visiting parks, Californians consistently voice support for continuing this legacy.

SB 372 and 679 are important measures to make that legacy a reality and I urge your support.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
July 10, 2009

Background Information

Senate Bill 372 (Kehoe) and Senate Bill 679 (Wolk) are awaiting a hearing in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Senate Bill (SB) 372 by Senator Christine Kehoe establishes an appropriate process for protecting state parks from projects or proposals that are inconsistent with the use and purposes of the parks. It requires that alterations or modifications that are inconsistent with state parks be enacted only upon an act of the Legislature, preceded by a recommendation from the state Park and Recreation Commission. The bill is modeled on existing state law that requires review and legislative action prior to alteration of other conservation lands, namely, wilderness areas.

Senate Bill (SB) 679 (Wolk) protects California's investment in our state park system. The bill simply says that lands used as state parks cannot be used for non-park purposes without the provision of substitute lands of equal environmental and fair market value that enable Californians to continue to access park resources. While it is undesirable for state parks to be used for non-park purposes, SB 679 ensures that the state's investment in providing recreational resources and protecting natural resources is maintained even if that circumstance arises. The bill requires that park land is to be used for a non-park purpose, the state must be provided substitute land that:

Has equal environmental or park values,
Has an equal or greater fair market value,
Will serve the population that used the previously-accessible park lands, and
Provides public access and recreational values or cultural and historic significance.

Home | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Photo Credits | Site Map

©2008 California State Parks Foundation

50 Francisco Street, Suite 110 San Francisco, CA 94133
714 West Olympic Blvd., Ste. 717 Los Angeles, CA 90015
1510 J Street, Suite 120 Sacramento, CA 95814