California State Parks Initiative

California's state parks are falling apart because of decades of chronic underfunding. Budget cuts are causing them to fall severely behind in needed maintenance and repairs—a backlog of more than $1 billion already exists. Twice in the past two years, state parks were on the brink of closure. Only a last‐minute budget reprieve kept them open, however because of budget cuts, nearly 150 state parks have been shut down part‐time or suffered deep service reductions. California's parks are becoming less available to the public and are at serious risk of irreversible damage. It's clear that the powers that be in Sacramento aren't riding to the rescue for state parks. In response, we're taking our case to the people.  

More Information
	Campaign Press Release
	Fact Sheet
	Official Filing with the Attorney General (pdf)
	Individual Endorsement Form
	Organizational Endorsement Form (pdf)

On November 2, 2010, California voters will have the opportunity to save state parks by approving Prop 21, which would create the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010. Rather than living on a budget roller coaster, the fund would provide a stable, reliable and adequate source of funding for the state park system, for wildlife conservation and for increased and equitable access to those resources for all Californians.

Initiative Basics:

• The Trust Fund revenues could only be spent on state parks, wildlife, natural lands and ocean conservation programs.
• The Trust Fund would be funded by an $18 annual State Park Access Pass surcharge on all California cars, motorcycles and recreational vehicles that would be collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles as part of the annual vehicle license fee. Larger commercial vehicles (those subject to the Commercial Vehicle Registration Act), mobile homes and permanent trailers would be exempt.
• Vehicles subject to the surcharge and all occupants of those vehicles would have free day use admission to all state parks throughout the year.
• Trust Fund revenues would amount to approximately $500 million each year (based on about 28 million registered vehicles) and 85 percent would be allocated to state parks and 15 percent to other state wildlife and ocean protection agencies.
• With a new dedicated revenue stream in place, approximately $130 million of General Fund dollars—that provide a portion of overall state parks funding—would now be available for other vital needs, like schools, health care, social services or public safety.
• The Trust Fund would be subject to an independent audit by the State Auditor and a Citizens' Oversight Committee would be created to ensure funds are spent appropriately. Audit, oversight and administrative costs of this measure would be limited to one percent of the annual revenues.

How you can help the campaign:

Spread the word and stay updated!

Tell your friends and family about the initiative and how it will help solve California's state park crisis.

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Learn more about the campaign by visiting their website

Read the full text of the initiative here.