America's State Parks Need Your Help
State Parks provide many "well being benefits" because they are part of a healthy lifestyle and a tonic for the mind, body and spirit. There are more than 725 million park visits a year. They also preserve some of our most important historical and cultural assets. However, with budget crisis at both the state and federal level, park closures and staff reduction continue to plague these American treasures.
For example, in 2009, California's budget deficit prompted a proposal to close 220 of it's state parks. This includes the home of some of the worlds tallest trees. The state spends about $400 million a year to run its 279 parks. Besides the loss of access to some of the state's most beautiful natural areas, at least 2,000 park rangers, biologists, lifeguards, interpreters, architects and maintenance workers would lose their jobs. In Arizona, 13 state parks are being threatened by closures due to budget cuts enacted in 2009. The most popular parks will be kept open, however even the less popular parks have a considerable impact on the local economies of rural towns near the parks.
America's State Parks
America's State Parks is committed to giving a unified voice to all of our country's state park systems in Washington and national politics. We will work with policy makers to ensure that these national treasures are protected and that the voices of state park users are heard.
Consider what state parks have meant to you and your families. They are the natural treasures in your back yard.
Donate to Americas State Parks through the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD a 501 (C) (6) non profit organization):
In the form below, you may send us your name and email address. This will make you a member of America's State Parks and put you on the list to receive important updates about the condition of our state park systems. It will also strengthen the support America's State Parks will have when working for the interests of state parks and state park users.