Responding to Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposal to link funding for California State Parks to new offshore oil drilling, representatives of Audubon California today contended that no further proof is needed for state residents to support the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010, which will provide a stable source of funding that would keep state parks open and protect wildlife.

“Californians should reject this false choice between offshore oil drilling and state parks,” said Graham Chisholm, executive director of Audubon California. “The Governor is hoping that our love for state parks will compel us to take his bitter medicine and support new offshore oil drilling. The park measure will secure the future of our state parks without jeopardizing California’s coast.”

Audubon California has endorsed the initiative in response to two straight years of threats to cut all funding for California State Parks. While the parks have remained open thanks to last-minute reprieves, their budgets have been slashed. Nearly 60 state parks will be shut down part-time or their hours of operation reduced because of this year’s budget cuts, and more park closure proposals and budget cuts are expected next year.

These budget cuts have starved state parks, causing them to accumulate a backlog of more than $1 billion in needed maintenance and repairs. Roofs and sewage systems leak, restrooms are not cleaned regularly, bridges have collapsed, trails are washed out, campgrounds and visitor centers are shuttered and buildings and structures throughout the system are badly deteriorated.

Even more upsetting is the Governor’s linking of funding for California State Parks to new permits to drill off Santa Barbara. The so-called Tranquillon Ridge plan has already been rejected by the California State Lands Commission, and other versions of the plan have been shot down in the Legislature as well.

“Mindful that our coastlines are one of our most precious assets, Californians have remained steadfast in their opposition to new offshore oil drilling,” said Chisholm. “We’ve seen the horrific effects of oil spills on these irreplaceable habitat areas, and we have no interest in taking those risks again.”

The relationship between Audubon and California State Parks goes back to the 1960s when the state was beginning to identify and prioritize the protection of key natural areas for their scenic, natural, historical and recreational potential. Since then, the two organizations have partnered on many conservation and education projects, with Audubon contributing not just funding, but technical support and volunteers as well.

In 2007, Audubon California established an endowment to provide long-term financial assistance to California State Parks to support important conservation, restoration and public outreach projects.

The State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 would ensure a dedicated and reliable funding stream for state parks through an $18 annual surcharge on most California vehicles. By law, the trust fund could only be spent on state parks, urban river parkways, wildlife, natural lands and ocean conservation programs. Vehicles subject to the surcharge would receive free, year-round admission to all state parks. Californians will no longer pay day-use fees at any state parks. In comparison, park visitors currently pay up to $125 for an annual pass or $10-$15 per day at most parks.

Audubon California is part of a rapidly growing coalition of initiative supporters including the California State Parks Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, The Trust for Public Land, Sierra Club California, Save the Redwoods League, Defenders of Wildlife, Surfrider Foundation, California State Park Rangers Association, California State Lifeguard Association and Ocean Conservancy.

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