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Arizona State Parks to close (and maybe be sold off)
Yahoo Message Number: 108900
I've just learned (from today's RV Traveler newsletter) that the Arizona legislature has passed a bill that will close **and possibly sell off** all AZ state parks, for financial reasons. Apparently, all that's left for this to be a done deal is the governor's signature.
 Here's a link to the Arizona State Parks Foundation's website, which has lots more info on this situation: http://arizonastateparksfoundation.org/

Even tho we are not AZ residents, I'm going to send a letter to Gov. Brewer today.
 We just came back from 3 weeks in southern Arizona, where we camped almost exclusively in state parks. While we were there, we spent money in local restaurants, bought local gas, shopped in local grocery stores and other establishments, paid to get in to state attractions and also to camp in the state parks.  Were those wonderful parks to close, we certainly would not spend much money in Arizona; we would go elsewhere.
 We've found that Arizona has some of the best state parks anywhere. It would be a true tragedy if they were not only temporarily closed (as California and NM are considering) but permanently sold off.
 If any of you have enjoyed AZ's state parks, please write a letter to the governor today. You'll find the info you need on that website above.

Martha, Bernie and "BluCon" (2009 MB) Santa Fe
Re: Arizona State Parks to close (and maybe be sold off)
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 108904
wrote:
 I've just learned (from today's RV Traveler newsletter) that the Arizona legislature has passed a bill that will close **and possibly sell off** all AZ state parks, for financial reasons. Apparently, all that's left for this to be a done deal is the governor's signature.
--- AZ's (and many other states') struggle to fund state parks has been going on for a long time, but it apparently has reached a critical point; more information can be found on these sites (Martha already noted the state parks foundation site; the site offers a sample contact format for those who wish to make their feelings known to the politicians):
 http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/323501

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/148976
 http://azstateparks.com/index.html

http://arizonastateparksfoundation.org/

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Arizona State Parks
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 108917
On Jan 2, 2010, at 1:09 PM,

Quote
I suggest sending an e-mail to the Arizona State legislator asking them to find away to keep the State Parks open.

The Member Roster can be found here:
 http://www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster.asp

I guess you have to copy and paste, it doesn't appear as a link.

Anne Johnson Upset in Lovely La Verne, CA
Anne,

As I understand it, the legislature has already approved the parks closings in their budget legislation. This issue is in the hands of the governor now. She alone has the ability to stop the park closures via line item veto.
 I faxed a letter to her office this morning, emphasizing how much $$$ my husband and I (and other Arizona-parks-loving RVers) spend in local stores, gas stations, restaurants, state park campgrounds, etc.
Our tourist dollars will go away if those beautiful parks are not there to enjoy.
 If anybody wants to send a letter to the gov, here's her contact info:

The Honorable Jan Brewer Governor of Arizona 1700 W. Washington Phoenix, AZ 85007
 If you prefer to send an email, here's a page where you can do that: http://www.azgovernor.gov/Contact.asp

Thanks!

Martha in Santa Fe

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Arizona State Parks
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 108920
"If you prefer to send an email, here's a page where you can do that:
http://www.azgovernor.gov/Contact.asp>"
 Thanks for the contact information, Martha! I just emailed the Governor. Key points (other than the fact that I spend money when I camp in Arizona): the bill in question, HR 2001, will force closure of most AZ state parks; AZ state parks receive less the 1/10 of one percent of the state's budget; and they bring in 266 million dollars of revenue annually. Thus the park closings that will result from this bill will result in economic losses--not savings!

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Arizona State Parks
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 108921
On Jan 2, 2010, at 3:31 PM, Andy wrote:

Quote
Thanks for the contact information, Martha! I just emailed the Governor. Key points (other than the fact that I spend money when I camp in Arizona): the bill in question, HR 2001, will force closure of most AZ state parks; AZ state parks receive less the 1/10 of one percent of the state's budget; and they bring in 266 million dollars of revenue annually. Thus the park closings that will result from this bill will result in economic losses--not savings!
Amen, Andy!

Thanks for sending that email and making the important economic argument that the governor needs to hear.

I hope others in the LD family who love camping in Arizona will do the same.

Martha

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Arizona State Parks
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 111311
I received an e-mail from Arizona Tourism today in response to a letter I sent voicing my displeasure on all the park closures.  They referred me to a website.  Below is the article:
 State Parks Board Approves Entering Into Agreements With Rural Towns To Operate Parks (Phoenix, AZ - March 18, 2010) - "After an unprecedented series of meetings with rural communities, the Arizona State Parks Board today voted to allow staff to enter into agreements to keep four State Parks open into the future although three would be managed by other entities. Two more agreements will extend the closure dates for Tonto Natural Bridge State Park and Roper Lake State Park," said Executive Director Renee Bahl.
 "Management agreements are pending for the Town of Camp Verde and would keep Fort Verde State Historic Park open for one year. The City of Yuma has proposed that they would manage Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park for three years. The City of Tombstone would manage Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park for three years. The Arizona Historical Society agreement would keep Riordan Mansion State Historic Park open for three years."
 Tonto Natural Bridge State Park got a reprieve when the Town of Payson agreed to assist financially in keeping that park open until September 27, 2010. Pending Commission approval, the Arizona Game and Fish Department will provide financial assistance to keep Roper Lake State Park open until June 3.
 Ongoing discussions are being held to find financial solutions for Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Alamo Lake State Park, Lost Dutchman State Park, Picacho Peak State Park and Red Rock State Park so they can stay open past their closing dates of June 3, 2010.
 Jerome State Historic Park, McFarland State Historic Park, Oracle State Park, Homolovi Ruins State Park and Lyman Lake State Park are closed.
 "The Arizona's State Park system must continue to provide the best park experience possible, draw visitors from around the world into these rural towns, and work with the communities. We are all committed to finding financial solutions to keep parks open and staffed appropriately," said Bahl.
 If you would like more information about the pending closures of State Parks, please call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit AZStateParks.com. Follow us on twitter.com/AZStateParks.
-end-

Maybe the squeaky wheel does get some attention.

Rick
 
Re: Arizona State Parks
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 111312
Thank you, Rick, for sending that letter objecting to the Arizona park closures and also for letting all of us know what's happening. I also sent a letter to the governor but haven't had any reply. Maybe because I'm not an AZ resident?

This is very good news! Let's hope they can find a way to keep all those wonderful campgrounds and natural areas open.

Martha in Santa Fe