Most of you have probably heard about California’s budget crisis by now. Seems like this is almost a perpetual story in recent years, made particularly acute by the sagging state economy and serious decline in revenues to government at all levels in the state. In an effort to make up a shortfall in excess of $23 billion, the governor has proposed some draconian cuts, including closing 220 of the 279 state park units in California.
Now you may be thinking There but for the grace of God go I. I sincerely hope that the agency or organization that supports your position and programs is in good financial shape and that you’re not in immediate fear of losing a job or a program. Whether your programs are secure or shaky, you may want to pay some attention to what’s happening in California.
California State Parks has a very active support group, the California State Parks Foundation, and many of the individual park units have auxiliary or friends groups that help raise funds and awareness for the parks. These support groups have ramped up an extensive public awareness and advocacy campaign to fight the closure of state park units. Similar efforts are underway for various local and county park systems around the state.
Park advocates point out that the cost of operating parks is but a fraction of one percent of the overall state budget, and that many parks bring in significant revenue, earning back a large part of their operating cost. In an economy where many families are relying on state and local parks to provide camping opportunities, summer day camps and other inexpensive family recreation, closing parks and programs may have huge social costs as well.In another wrinkle on this complex story, the National Park Service has informed the state the federal government may take over six state parks that were created on former federal lands. In transferring the land to California State Parks, there is a requirement that public access to the sites be maintained. Some feel that closing these state parks would violate that agreement and the land should revert back to federal management (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/07/01/ap/national/main5127931.shtml).
The drive to rescue 220 state parks from the budget crisis is a good case study in justifying your existence in the political and socioeconomic arena. The campaign has some well-developed and effective strategy—and a lot of supporters that are gathering momentum. You never know when your staff and programs may be put in a similar position, and we might do well to watch the California campaign to gather successful ideas and strategy if we ever need them.
Here are a few web sites where you can learn more:
California State Parks Foundation: http://ga3.org/campaign/budget_may09
Save Our State Parks Campaign: http://www.savestateparks.org/
