LAKE COUNTY – California's 278 State Parks were once the best in the nation, but now rank among the shabbiest – you could call it “death by a thousand budget cuts.”

The state still owns the spectacular vistas, historic sites, and world-class beaches, but roofs and sewage systems leak, trails are washed out regularly (but not restrooms!), and campgrounds and visitor centers are shuttered.

The repair backlog tops $1 billion, and it keeps on growing.

If that weren't enough, twice in the past two years the parks were held hostage in the budget process, with systemwide shut downs threatened.

Last minute reprieves have kept them open, but many are now operating with reduced hours or calendars, and more reductions are expected next year, while user fees go up and up.

Here in Lake County, both Clear Lake State Park and Anderson Marsh State Historic Park were threatened with closure in 2008, and Anderson Marsh went back on the chopping block again last year. We simply can't afford to lose these precious community assets, which besides providing wonderful recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike, preserve significant natural resources and offer invaluable educational resources for our young people.

It’s time to fix this mess, which is why park supporters want to place a statewide initiative on the November 2010 ballot.

The “California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010” will provide the permanent, stable, long-term funding our parks need by establishing a trust fund to be spent only on state parks, wildlife and marine conservation, and state conservancies.

Funding will come from an $18 surcharge on the registration fee for California vehicles, including motorcycles and recreational vehicles but not larger commercial vehicles, mobile homes, and permanent trailers. Surcharged vehicles will receive free admission to all state parks.

In comparison, park visitors currently pay up to $125 for an annual pass or $10 to 15 per day at most parks. There will still be charges for camping and other special services.

Spending from the trust fund will be subject to oversight by a citizen’s board, full public disclosure, and independent annual audits. Money from the general fund currently spent on parks will be available for other vital needs, including schools, health care, social services, and public safety.

Here’s how we can help.

This initiative proposal has been endorsed by the California State Parks Foundation, Audubon California and the Sierra Club.

Volunteers are helping to gather the 700,000 signatures needed to get the measure on the ballot by tabling outside stores and other places of public assembly, circulating petitions among their neighbors, and so forth.

The campaign kicked off in January and will last until April 17.

If you could donate a little time to this effort please get in touch with Victoria Brandon at 707-994-1931 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The campaign will provide petition forms, tabling signs, full instructions, and try to connect partners so that volunteers don't have to work alone.