Audio: Chesbro questions whether closing parks will save money
Audio: Chesbro expresses concern about illegal activity in closed state parks
Audio: Chesbro discusses impact of proposed park closures on Mendocino County

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) today continued to question whether closing state parks will actually save the state money and expressed concerns about potential damage from marijuana grows and other criminal activity in parks slated for closure.

Chesbro also condemned the potential economic impact to North Coast counties at a hearing today at the Capitol that examined the state's unprecedented move to close 70 of California's 279 parks.

"For example, eight of the seventy parks designated to be closed are in Mendocino County and for a small, rural economically struggling county that is a huge, disproportionate impact," Chesbro said.

"Similar closures also threaten other North Coast counties," Chesbro added.

"Given the problems that may occur as a result of closing the state parks, I think we need to continue to question the wisdom of doing so," Chesbro said. "It is hard to argue with cuts in one sector when we have made cuts in so many. That's part of the problem we face. But I think the cold, hard facts about whether this is actually going to save money should ultimately be the bottom line when you look at it from a public safety standpoint and an environmental standpoint.

"I am concerned about the public safety and environmental issues associated with marijuana growing and other illegal activities that would almost surely occur."

The joint hearing of the Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife Committee and the Accountability & Administrative Review Committee provided an opportunity for the California Department of Parks and Recreation to update legislators and the public on the state parks' closures and the Department's efforts to work with community groups who want to take a role in keeping some of the parks slated for closure open.

The hearing was also an opportunity to review how the Department chose which parks to close and to explore legal or other liabilities that may result from park closures.

California Parks directly employ more than 1,800 permanent and 800 seasonal staff to administer, protect, operate and maintain the state park system. In addition, parks are an important part of many local economies, especially in rural counties.

Contact: Andrew Bird, Chesbro communications director, (916) 319-2001