Calif. finds alternative to closing state parks

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Schwarzenegger administration on Friday backed off its threat to close dozens of California state parks by saying it has found other ways to save money amid the state’s deep fiscal crisis.

California’s park system attracts 80 million visitors a year but has been subject to the state’s fiscal crisis, like almost every other area of state government.

The plan announced by the governor’s office calls for saving $12.1 million by reducing maintenance and halting purchases of vehicles and other equipment.

Another $2.1 million will be saved by cutting an undetermined number of positions and reducing hours and days of operation at many parks. Some parks will close on weekdays and open only on weekends.

In May, Schwarzenegger proposed cutting $70 million in general fund support for the system and warned that 220 of the 279 parks would close, including popular destinations such as Emerald Bay State Park at Lake Tahoe.

Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak paid a visit to Fort Ross, a former Russian fur-trading outpost along the state’s northern coast, and lobbied for it to remain open. He called the park an important piece of Russia’s and California’s past and a symbol of positive U.S.-Russia relations.

Schwarzenegger said the financial plan announced Friday was the product of teamwork between the Department of Parks and Recreation and his finance officials.

“This is fantastic news for all Californians,” he said in a statement.

While the plan avoids closures this year, parks will remain in jeopardy next year because the state is expected to face another multibillion dollar deficit.

On the Net:

California State Parks: www.parks.ca.gov/