You might recall the battles waged last year over the proposed closures of California State Parks. Well, if this report is to be believed, you haven't see anything yet. Along with other massive cuts to state services and supports, Schwarzenegger is apparently proposing to close 80 percent of the state's parks:

The governor's budget also proposes massive and historic cuts to California's system of 279 state parks, from Big Basin Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Malibu beaches. Schwarzenegger has proposed cutting general fund money to parks in half this year and eliminating it entirely next year — cuts on a scale that have never been imposed on the state parks system since it began in earnest in the 1920s. "Absolutely, we will have to close parks. The question is how many," said Roy Stearns, a spokesman for the state parks department in Sacramento.

Audubon California was one of many conservation organizations that worked hard against the proposed closure of 48 state parks in 2008. (photo above of Big Basin State Park)

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.

Audubon California in 2007 announced the establishment of an endowment that will provide long-term financial assistance to California State Parks to support important conservation, restoration and public outreach projects. The potential value of this contribution will be diminished if the proposed closures are ultimately approved.

“California State Parks not only provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife, but they are also places where California children and families experience and learn about nature,” said Glenn Olson, then Executive Director of Audubon California in 2008.

California State Parks make up some of the most diverse natural resources found anywhere in the world. Fifty-eight percent of the remaining old growth coastal redwood forests are found in State Parks, and 27 percent of federally listed endangered, threatened or rare species can be found in the State Park system.

A number of threatened bird species will face additional risk if the park closures are approved, making it much more difficult for them to reach long-term recovery goals. Examples of these birds include, the California Condor, Northern Spotted Owl, Marbled Murrelet, Black Rail, California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover.