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Today, the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) was joined by dozens of statewide and local organizations to launch the "Save Our State Parks" (SOS) campaign. The campaign rejects the Governor's 2008 budget proposal to close 48 California state parks and reduce lifeguard staffing on 16 state beaches. His proposal will only save $13.3 million, a minimal portion of the state's deficit with a huge impact to state parks.
"The Governor's proposal to close 48 state parks will have a profound effect on the environment, preservation of our state's historic treasures, tourism and the local economies that depend on our state parks" said Elizabeth Goldstein, CSPF President. "The Save Our State Parks campaign brings together stakeholders to oppose the Governor's proposed budget cuts with a unified voice."
The Governor's proposed park closures will negatively impact Californians. Last year alone, the California Department of Parks and Recreation tallied more than 77 million visits to state parks, including historic landmarks, beaches, recreation areas and reserves.
In partnership with organizations, businesses, local governments and individuals throughout the state, representing hundreds of thousands of Californians, CSPF is leading the SOS Parks campaign activities to generate awareness and take action to fight the Governor's budget proposal.
As part of the campaign, a website (www.savestateparks.org) was launched where organizations and individuals may take action on the budget cuts, weigh in on parks issues and join the campaign. Additionally, new tools such as MySpace, Facebook, YouTube and other social networking sites will be used to increase awareness among all Californians regarding the Governor's proposed actions to California's state parks.
The SOS Parks campaign invites people to share their story on its website and voice their experiences in California's state parks. Stories will be posted online.
About SOS
The Save Our State Parks (SOS) Campaign is a statewide, grassroots campaign to keep California's magnificent state parks open. In partnership with organizations, businesses, local governments, and individuals around the state, the California State Parks Foundation is leading SOS Campaign activities and generating awareness and action about these unacceptable budget proposals.
About CSPF
With its 95,000 members, the California State Parks Foundation is the only independent nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting, enhancing, promoting and advocating for California's magnificent state parks. For more information about California's state parks, visit www.calparks.org.
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