If California voters support Proposition 21 – the State Parks Access Pass – we will have not only a stable funding source for state parks, but a much-needed boost of $35 million annually for our state wildlife areas and ecological reserves. The measure would give every Californian free day use of state parks in exchange for a new $18 vehicle license fee, and seven percent of this revenue would go to public lands managed by the California Department of Fish & Game (DFG).

There are 240 of these properties scattered throughout California, totaling almost a million acres and providing habitat for more than 1,275 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, including many that are listed as threatened or endangered. These lands also provide Californians with excellent opportunities to enjoy the outdoors through wildlife viewing, fishing, and hunting.

If you have ever visited Mendota Wildlife Area, Los Banos Wildlife Area, or Yolo Wildlife Area, you have witnessed the rich abundance of wildlife that DFG works hard to preserve. In fact, DFG manages these lands to provide diverse habitats such as seasonal wetlands, permanent ponds, semi-permanent and standing grain, flooded riparian woodlands, and flooded pastures. At Shasta Valley Wildlife Area in Siskiyou County, managed grazing systems have created a diverse mix of shortgrass pasture habitats for both geese and cranes. At Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area, restored riparian habitat is benefiting a host of neotropical migrant songbirds and a variety of other wildlife. Planting of native willows and cottonwoods at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, enhanced habitat for all wildlife and provided greater opportunities for wildlife viewing.

At the 14 major wetland wildlife areas in the state (mostly in the Central Valley), DFG emphasizes the production of food plants preferred by waterfowl, striving to assure the availability of adequate quantities of natural waterfowl food throughout the fall and winter months. This helps to support the winter waterfowl migration through the Pacific Flyway.

The $35 million that Proposition 21 will generate for wildlife lands outside of state parks will go to restoration projects, land management, law enforcement and public safety (more wardens!), public access, and science. I can’t think of a better way to spend to spend $1.26.