For Immediate UseContact: Garrison Frost
January 14, 2008(323) 951-9620

Sacramento, CA – Audubon California today announced its firm opposition to the potential closure of 48 state parks, which Gov. Schwarzenegger last week proposed as part of his annual budget proposal.

“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,” said Glenn Olson, executive director of Audubon California. “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.”

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 be diminished if the proposed closures are ultimately approved.

“California State Parks not only provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife, but they are also places where California children and families experience and learn about nature,” added Olson.

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.

“California is making tremendous progress on many of these imperiled species, and it would be a shame to see us take any step backward because of this budget crisis,” said Olson.

About Audubon California

Audubon California is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. With more than 50,000 members in California and an affiliated 48 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of Audubon. This relationship links Audubon California to a national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engaging millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation.

More information is available at www.ca.audubon.org.