With voters set to decide Nov. 2 on a ballot measure to approve new funding for California State Parks, representatives of Audubon California today noted that parks provide critical habitat for birds. A recent study of California’s Important Bird Areas found that 50 were contained wholly or in part within state parks. A full 79 California State Park units touched Important Bird Areas. There are 145 Audubon Important Bird Areas in California that have been selected as part of a global effort to identify essential habitat for breeding, wintering, and migrating birds. (photo of Big Basin Redwood State Park)

“It shouldn’t come as any surprise that these wonderful natural places that we’ve set aside and protected for our own enjoyment have also turned out to be important places for birds as well,” said Graham Chisholm, executive director of Audubon California. “Our state parks are a critical part of California’s natural infrastructure.”

Examples of the vital role of state parks in bird conservation can be found up and down California. Benicia State Recreation Area contains some of the last pristine tidal marsh habitat in San Francisco Bay which species like the Black Rail and the Endangered California Clapper Rail depend on for survival. State parks in the Big Sur area provide important foraging habitat for the Endangered California Condor. Chino Hills State Park in Southern California provides valuable habitat for the Threatened California Gnatcatcher and the Coastal Cactus Wren, a species of special concern.

“In many cases, it’s not just the habitat that makes California State Parks so important for birds,” added Chisholm. “It’s the conservation and restoration work being done on these properties as well.”

A good example is the Western Snowy Plover, a sparrow-sized shorebird that has been listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act since 1993. California beaches provide essential breeding and wintering habitat for the Western Snowy Plover, and this places a premium on beaches that are publicly protected and managed. Since the listing, California State Parks has played a key role in Western Snowy Plover conservation, so much so that it is difficult to imagine the bird’s survival without the agency’s contribution. At breeding sites such as Morro Bay State Beach and Silver Strand State Beach (San Diego), park staff fences off the sites and educates the public about the bird’s plight. Staff also conducts important habitat restoration and maintenance, monitors the nests, and collects vital breeding data.

The Marbled Murrelet is another Threatened bird that relies on California State Parks for its existence. Ever since its nests were discovered at Big Basin Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains, state park personnel have taken steps to protect the old growth canopy at the park, keep people away from nesting sites, and maintain the landscape to reduce jay and raven populations from predating the nests.

The intersection of Audubon Important Bird Areas and California State Parks is just one of several reasons that Audubon California supports Proposition 21, which will create a dedicated funding stream for parks. Another compelling reason is the invaluable role that California State Parks play in connecting the state’s children and families to the natural world.

“Our State Parks offer numerous opportunities for children and families to learn about birds and wildlife and, in many instances, make that first connection to nature that lasts a lifetime,” said Chisholm. “We can’t continue to play budgetary games with one of the state’s most important resources.”

For more information on the initiative and to view current supporters, please visit www.yesforstateparks.com.