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 relationship between Audubon and California State Parks goes back to the 1960s, when the state was beginning to identify and prioritize the protection of key natural areas for their scenic, natural, historical and recreational potential. Since then, the two organizations have partnered on many conservation and education projects, with Audubon contributing not just funding, but technical support and volunteers as well.

Audubon California recently announced the establishment of an endowment that will provide long-term financial assistance to California State Parks to support important conservation, restoration and public outreach projects. The potential value of this contribution will diminished if the proposed closures are ultimately approved.