Redbud Audubon makes its voice heard on park closures
Clear Lake State Park. Photo by Kglavin
May 2008 – Supporters of California State Parks got a welcome surprise in May when Governor Schwarzenegger apparently backed away from his January proposal to close 48 state parks in order to help balance the state budget. While not declaring victory quite yet, Audubon California and the many local chapters that made their voices heard were able to take some measure of pride in this reversal.
While Audubon California spent the first part of this year working hard to raise awareness and gather support to oppose the closures, local chapters played an important role as well. A good example of how much impact even a small chapter can make is that of Redbud Audubon Society in Clear Lake.
Fearful that the governor’s proposal would shutter both Clear Lake State Park and Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, the Lake County chapter spearheaded a campaign that has raised in excess of 5,355 signatures on a petition opposing the closures.
Redbud Audubon has a special interest in their local parks. Each April, the Heron Festival is held at Clear Lake State Park. Last year 1,300 people attended the festival, an important event for conservation education, as well as an opportunity for Californian birders to convene and share knowledge and experiences.
“What they’ve done up at Redbud is a great example of a small chapter making a difference in state government,” says Dan Taylor, director of public policy for Audubon California. “In order to make sure the park closures don’t go through, it’s important for Audubon members to take action at the local level.”
Redbud Audubon Society members also attended Park Advocacy Day, which took place on April 7 in Sacramento.
