Waiting for turtles to ride to our rescue

Like turtles burrowing in deep mud, California’s elected leaders are ignoring the most serious threat ever to our state park system. Since these political turtles pulled their heads into their shells, kayakers and other outdoor enthusiasts must act to protect our state’s most precious natural places.

It would be bad enough if Governor Turtle and the Legislator Turtles simply snuggled in the muck of our dismal state economy. But they dragged the reputation of state parks down with them. To help close a record state deficit this summer, Governor Turtle threatened to close 200 parks. "Fine by me!” chimed each Legislator Turtle, “as long as it doesn’t include my district!”

(Below, Governor Turtle and key Legislature Turtles confer at a popular capital watering hole.)

The Governor reversed himself, of course, but in the process he also muddied the good name of the California Department of Parks and Recreation. At a time when our state parks most need public support, many Californians now mistrust anyone in government - even the trustees of our most spectacular woods and waterways.

But the facts are pretty simple, even for a turtle’s brain. This year’s budget debacle cost state parks more than $14 million that could have cleaned up garbage, maintained camping areas and other facilities, and otherwise assisted park visitors. Meanwhile, an increase in park fees last August will raise only a trickle -- about $200,000 by year’s end. Now brace for the big wave: More than $1.2 billion in park infrastructure expenses have been deferred indefinitely.

That unpaid bill can only grow as nature takes its normal course - plus the impact of unpredictable fires, floods, and droughts. Given the state’s economic woes and continuing budget deficits, a billion-dollars-plus in maintenance projects will never get started. And the cost of neglect will be incalculable for public parks that should be preserved for us and for future Californians.

From a kayaker perspective, more than two dozen state parks have boat-in camps, ramps, and mooring spots. These are high-use, high-maintenance facilities that would likely feel infrastructure collapse first, and feel it worst. And these sites do not include many beach-front parks used by kayakers and other water enthusiasts.

So what’s the answer? Governor Turtle and his slow-moving colleagues would rather plod across an L.A. freeway than stick their necks out for any new public fees. It’s up to those of us who love and use parks - from individual kayakers to recreational organizations of every stripe - to demand and win permanent funding to save these recreational gems.

Several organizations, including the California State Parks Foundation, are gauging public support for a voter initiative to maintain our parks. News media reports say such an initiative would include an additional fee to annual vehicle registration - probably in the $15 range. This initiative could hit the ballot in November 2010.

For sure, no one jumps for joy at the idea of another state fee. But this one will go for the waters we paddle and the woods we walk. Results will be tangible. So will be the consequences if we fail to stand up for our parks. Think about it, and consider this: When’s the last time you saw a turtle come riding to the rescue?

(c) Glenn Brank 2009