Park Watch Report -=- Article Bipartisan bill to help rescue California State Parks

	Bipartisan bill to help rescue California State Parks
Rare bi-partisanship forces joined hands to introduce The California Park Stewardship Act of 2012 (The Union) Bill introduced to help rescue state parks Assemblyman Dan Logue (R-Chico) announced today that he has coauthored a bill with Assemblyman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) that will devise strategies aimed at rescuing California's endangered state parks. The California Park Stewardship Act of 2012 will contain many provisions that will force the California Department of State Parks to be more transparent in their closure proceedings. "I am proud to fight to keep state parks ... open for the public to enjoy," said Logue. "These parks are a part of California's rich history, and serve to remind us of the beauty of God's creation and of our state's great accomplishments. We cannot allow them to be lost." Assembly Bill 1589 (The California Park Stewardship Act of 2012) was co-authored by Assemblyman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) would require the Parks Department to work on finding an alternative before closing a park, and disclose to the public its reasoning to close down a certain park. The bill would also limit the number of parks that can be closed from 2012 to 2016 to no more than twenty-five, unless the Legislature specifically authorizes it. The bill would also allow a park with extra money to share excess revenue with another park. Addressing the need to raise more funds, the bill would allow individuals to receive a tax deduction if they donate more than the cost of an annual park pass, and require the Department of Motor Vehicles to create a special license plate that honors California's parks with sale proceeds going towards state parks. "In these difficult economic times, there are certainly tough decisions that have to be made," Logue said. "But I will do everything I can to ensure our parks stay open." AB 1589 is currently in the Assembly Appropriations Committee, and will be voted on later this week, according to a news release issued by Logue's office. CLICK HERE to see the original article in The Union.

	News Headlines
Volunteers play vital part in preservation of Independence Trail and other State Parks resources (05/24/2013) NEVADA COUNTY - They do the work that the budget-strapped State Parks no longer has the resources to do....See Full Article Hidden Falls Regional Park Phase II Grand Opening Ceremony today (05/22/2013) HIDDEN FALLS REGIONAL PARK - Dignitaries, Placer Parks employees, trail advocates, and partners attended celebration of additional trails and open space....See Full Article DEFINITIVE SCIENTIFIC STUDIES - ARE TRAIL HORSES THE CAUSE OF THE INVASION OF TOXIC OR NON-NATIVE PLANTS (05/20/2013) Land managers have ideas how toxic weeds are spread in delicate ecosystems, but does the science agree with them?...See Full Article Celebrate National Trails Day 2013 in Nevada County on June 1 (05/15/2013) NEVADA COUNTY - Loads of events on the trails, information booths, tours, and fun in Robinson Plaza in Nevada City marks National Trails Day on June 1...See Full Article Noel Carter Loop Trail dedication on Banner Mountain (05/14/2013) WOODPECKER PRESERVE - NEVADA COUNTY - Nevada City Rotary dedicates Noel Carter Loop Trail...See Full Article Fresh Tracks: Don't delay trying the splendid South Fork American River Trail (05/07/2013) PILOT HILL - Sac Bee article on the 11.7-mile South Fork American River Trail that connects Magnolia Ranch (between Pilot Hill and Coloma) to the Skunk Hollow trailhead just over the Salmon Falls Bridge northwest of El Dorado Hills....See Full Article California National Forest maps go mobile (05/04/2013) Maps for Apple iOS devices and a beta for Android phones now...See Full Article "SUPES SHOULD PROTECT ACCESS TO HISTORIC TRAIL," says The Union newspaper (05/02/2013) GRASS VALLEY - There was large public support at the Board of Supervisors meeting, four of the five Supervisors said positive comments, and now the local newspaper, The Union, came out in support of re-opening the Emigrant Trail with this OpEd this past week....See Full Article Placer County Supes Secures Land for Future Hidden Falls Park Trail Connections (04/30/2013) PLACER COUNTY - Land purchase and trail easements create public access between Hidden Falls Regional Park and the Placer Land Trust's Harvego Bear River Preserve. "The overall vision for this area is a trailhead at Coon Creek (in Hidden Falls park) and another near the Bear River."...See Full Article Feather River Parkway opening in Yuba City - walking and bike trails (04/27/2013) YUBA CITY - 90 acres to explore, the riverfront park has family activities including several walking and bicycle trails and areas to observe nature around the Feather River. The area also has picnic places and a pavilion for the community to enjoy....See Full Article See All News Headlines

Privacy Statement