Despite a strong effort by Audubon California and a massive coalition of groups representing conservation, recreation, business and tourism, a measure that would have provided state parks with stable and adequate funding was not approved by voters. Nonetheless, supporters of Proposition 21 promised to continue the effort to secure the future of the nation’s most expansive state parks system. “We’re disappointed that voters didn’t see the merit of this far-sighted proposal to protect California’s natural legacy,” said Graham Chisholm, executive director of Audubon California. “It’s clear to us that California State Parks are important to Californians, but in the end the state’s political and economic environment were just too much to overcome.”

Audubon California pushed for Proposition 21 after seeing the California State Parks devastated by budget cuts in recent years. Threatened with closures nearly every year, the system has built up more than $1 billion in deferred maintenance and seen reduced hours and program cuts. All of this undercuts the invaluable role that California State Parks play in connecting the state’s children and families to the natural world.

“We will work tirelessly with the new governor and the Legislature to find a solution for California State Parks,” said Chisholm. “With the coalition Proposition 21 created, our movement will be re-invigorated as it seeks to protect our state parks, conserve our precious resources and preserve these vital legacies for future generations. We will press on because our goal is too important to leave behind.”

Audubon California also supported Proposition 21 was the importance of California State Parks to conservation. A recent review of Audubon Important Bird Areas in California found that 50 were contained wholly or in part within state parks. A full 79 California State Park unites touched Important Bird Areas. State parks not only provide invaluable habitat, but conduct a variety of conservation activities that support sensitive bird populations.