Has the budget crisis in California reached the point where
state officials “have” to close state parks? Officials warn that
budget cuts to the tune of $14.2 million could lead to the
closure of approximately 100 of California’s state parks for up
to two years. The final decision about which parks are to be
closed is expected shortly after Labor Day. Closing these parks
isn’t necessary. Increasing park user fees to reflect the actual
operating costs, as well as the rising demand, could allow the
state parks to remain open. California has recently imposed some
minor park fee increases, yet they are still well below the
amount needed—in the absence of additional reforms—to make the
parks self-sustaining. Only 13 of the 279 parks and beaches in
the California State Park System are financially self-
sustaining. In recent years, at all levels of government, user
fees have provided an attractive alternative to general
appropriations funding. User fees provide a fairer funding
source since they ensure that those who