Tell Lawmakers to Keep Our State Parks Open

Audubon California asks you to let your representatives know that you oppose any effort to close California State Parks. The Governor’s recent budget proposal included a plan to close 48 state parks, and we need your help to squash this bad idea before it gains any traction.

At a time when open space is increasingly jeopardized, California State Parks offer invaluable opportunities for the state’s children and families to experience and learn about nature. The parks also provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Tell me more

Talking Points

Millions of Californians use the State Parks each year to both experience nature and learn about it.
State Parks provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Closing parks violates the state's public promise with its citizens that these lands will be set aside and available.

Subject:

[ Decision Maker ]

(Edit Letter Below)

I am writing to strongly oppose any effort to close California`s state parks. The Governor`s budget proposal to close 48 state parks is unacceptable to me and millions of other Californians that rely on state parks for both recreation and conservation.

At a time when open space is increasingly jeopardized, California State Parks offer invaluable opportunities for the state's children and families to experience and learn about nature. The parks also provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife.

California State Parks make up some of the most diverse natural resources found anywhere in the world. Fifty-eight percent of the remaining old growth coastal redwood forests are found in State Parks, and 27 percent of federally listed endangered, threatened or rare species can be found in the State Park system.

A number of threatened bird species will face additional risk if the park closures are approved, making it much more difficult for them to reach long-term recovery goals. Examples of these birds include, the California Condor, Northern Spotted Owl, Marbled Murrelet, Black Rail, California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover.

The operation of the California State Park system is one of the core functions of state government -- right alongside schools, prisons and highways -- and it should not be subject to peaks and valleys of the state's financial situation. Not only would the closures greatly limit opportunities to preserve and enjoy California's rich outdoors, but they would diminish the essential character of the state as well.

Please vote no on any budget that includes the closure of state parks.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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