Governor proposes closing 48 state parks & cutting lifeguards at 14 state beaches

In January Governor Schwarzenegger proposed cutting $13.3 million from the Department of Parks and Recreation general fund budget in 2008-09, in an attempt to close the huge $14 billion state deficit. This reduction would mean the closure of 48 state parks out of 278 existing parks and reduce the number of lifeguards at 14 state beaches, including Natural Bridges, New Brighton, Seacliff, Sunset, and Manresa. His proposal would also eliminate 136 permanent employees including park rangers, maintenance workers, scientists and tour guides.

Sierra Club California strongly opposes any effort to close our state parks. These cuts would be devastating to the millions of Californians who rely on their state parks for recreation, educational opportunities, and quiet enjoyment of nature.

Shutting down state parks is out of touch with the priorities of Californians. The 48 parks slated for closure represent some of the most significant cultural, historic, and natural resources in the state. State parks slated for closure include Henry Coe near Morgan Hill and Portola Redwoods in San Mateo County. See the map on this page for the complete listing.

Suggesting that California's state beaches can go through the summer without adequate lifeguard staffing is a dangerous proposal that threatens the health and safety of Californians.

The Club believes that the Governor's proposal is the wrong way to go about balancing the state's budget. Click here for contact information for both Governor Schwarzenegger and your State Assemblymember and State Senator.

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