Continuing its long support for California State Parks, Audubon California today endorsed the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010, a proposed statewide initiative slated for the November 2010 ballot that, if ultimately approves by voters, would provide a stable source of funding that would keep state parks open and protect wildlife.

“Our State Parks are our heritage and offer invaluable 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 Graham Chisholm, executive director of Audubon California. “We can’t continue to play budgetary games with one of the state’s most important resources.”

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.

“We feel strongly about protecting the legacy of California State Parks because our two organizations share a similar mission – to protect our state’s spectacular natural resources and, at the same time, connect people to the natural world,” added Chisholm. “We believe that this initiative gives Californians an opportunity to embrace our parks as the treasures that they are.”

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.

California’s 278 state parks, which include state beaches and state historic parks, are priceless public assets and a vital legacy for our children and future generations. Twice in the past two years, state parks were on the brink of being shut down. Only last-minute budget reprieves kept them open. But 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.

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. Thousands of scenic acres are closed to the public because of reductions in park rangers, and crime has more than doubled. Destruction and vandalism of the parks themselves has grown fourfold, and beachgoers are often unprotected because of decreases in lifeguards.

With this announcement, Audubon California joins a rapidly growing coalition of 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.