shlamont
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« on: May 29, 2009, 11:28:47 PM »
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It is too soon to say if the proposed closure of Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a political tactic, or a real threat.
But for those who care about the park, and understand the contribution it makes to the local economy, it is clearly time we all started paying close attention.
I understand the state is in a financial jam and must find a way out. But the past legislative mis-management of state funds does not need to be corrected by draconian over-reaction and simplistic solutions. Politics has historically been the art of compromise.
We expect intelligent leadership from our political officials, and it is time to let them know how you feel on the approaches to the budget problems.
It would be great if concerned citizens, even those who disagree on the solutions, could offer positive suggestions to elected officials instead of endless complaints about how we got into this fix.
For starters on this discussion, I would suggest than any state park that generates more revenue than it spends be exempt from closure. If the manager could show economies that would bring a park into positive cash flow, that could also be exempt.
And then, perhaps an across the board trimming of all state departments rather than picking on easy targets.
Ideas should be welcomed by your elected legislator.
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hjf
Plugged In
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« Reply #1 on: May 29, 2009, 11:52:51 PM »
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The closure of Big Trees would have a major impact on our area. Over 200,000 people a year visit the park from all over the world. Today when I volunteered at the visitors center we had visitors from 6 states and one foreign country. They bring money into the state and pay sales tax on items they bought in the center. Business in our area would lose a source of income if the park is closed. These visitors buy gas, food, and eat at local restaurants. Big Trees is probably the major tourist attraction in our county and generates a lot of sales tax revenue for the county. The governors proposal is not cutting our great state park system is is destroying it.
I have emailed our state legislator Tom Berryhill and our state senator Dave Cox. I have also emailed Merita Callaway our local supervisor.
If you feel the same as I do let our politicians know! That is the only way we can save our park and the rest of the state park system.
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uttb
Regular
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« Reply #2 on: May 30, 2009, 08:49:34 AM »
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I spoke to the staff at BT and was informed the park was not one of the parks considered for closure as it continues to be a money maker for the State. Dont know if that theory continues to prevail, but letters and phone calls are still needed to keep our reps informed.
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Westlye
Plugged In
Posts: 174
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« Reply #3 on: May 30, 2009, 09:30:46 AM »
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Support BT State Park by donating to the California State Parks Foundation. They're website can better explain the wonderful programs and how they support the parks. There's also an important link who to contact about the 220 park closures. Unfortunately, it appears Big Trees State Park is included on that list.
http://www.calparks.org/
http://www.calparks.org/join/newmember.html
(A $25 new membership includes 7 passes to California State Parks and a subscription to Sunset magazine) - (A $25 special introductory rate, regularly $40)
7 day-use parking passes, good for admission to more than 200 state parks
California Parklands newsletter
Official California State Parks map
California State Parks Foundation membership card
Calaveras Big Trees SP
Assemblymember: Berryhill
Senator: Cox
Take Action: http://www.calparks.org/takeaction/ |
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K&S WESTLYE
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| bigtreestechman
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« Reply #4 on: May 31, 2009, 08:39:03 AM »
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Here's an idea...
Go out and buy a "Poppy Pass". This will give you day use for most State Parks for a year.
Make sure you get a list of the parks that the pass gives you access to.
Buying the poppy pass gets revenue for the state, and park access for you.
If the state gets ready to close any of the parks that you would have gone to with your poppy pass, demand a pro-rated refund. If they won't give a refund, maybe a class action lawsuit would be in order 
joe |
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hjf
Plugged In
Posts: 147
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« Reply #5 on: May 31, 2009, 03:19:47 PM »
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I have already bought my Poppy Pass  and now it may be worthless.  |
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| bigtreestechman
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« Reply #6 on: June 02, 2009, 02:25:14 PM »
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I have added a new link to the calparks utility to send an email to the state legislature regarding the park closure. Meetings are being held in Sacramento today, so please take action immediately.
joe
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| bigtreestechman
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« Reply #7 on: June 03, 2009, 02:09:25 PM »
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Here is a letter from CBTA Interim President, Anne Saunders regarding the park closure issue:
Dear Members of CBTA and lovers of the park,
The health and welfare of our park is in jeopardy! Today, June 2, the Legislative Budget Committee will meet to hear public testimony
as to why our state parks should remain open or be closed! The
governor is planning to close 200 of California's 279 state parks perhaps as early as Labor Day. The amount of money to be saved by this move is miniscule compared to spending in other areas.
The devastating effect on our community, our county and beyond, would be monumental. Big Trees State Park is vital to the survival of countless businesses and, more importantly, it is a treasure which enables us to teach our local and statewide school children to respect and value our precious natural resource. They are the future caretakers of the Giant Sequoias.
Your action is needed right now - today! California State Parks
Foundation is heading up an all out crusade to save our parks and every one is needed to make it a success. All you need to do is go to www.calparks.org and educate yourself about the situation and send a very simple email to Sacramento. The letter is already written for you, is to the point, and very easy to send.
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND OUR HELP IS NEEDED TODAY! THIS TIME THE SITUATION IS REALLY SERIOUS!
Thank you for your action today.
Anne Saunders
Interim President
Calaveras Big Trees Association |
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Natchez
Plugged In
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« Reply #8 on: June 05, 2009, 09:16:58 AM »
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I have sent my letter via the link on Anne Saunders letter posted by BTVTechman and sent emails to do the same to all friends that have places in BTV.
PLEASE send your letters from the link ASAP as it is never to late!
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WE LOVE BTV/Camp Connell Store
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hjf
Plugged In
Posts: 147
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« Reply #9 on: June 05, 2009, 10:15:52 AM »
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I have sent my letters also.
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Westlye
Plugged In
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« Reply #10 on: June 05, 2009, 12:08:56 PM »
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I too have sent my letters and have made a donation to CalParks.org to support the cause. I fully agree with Sander's (Shlamont) comments. We all have a vested interested to keep Big Trees State Park open.
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K&S WESTLYE
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RebeccaM
Participant
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« Reply #11 on: June 11, 2009, 10:21:02 PM »
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We received some literature in the mail from California State Parks Foundation and they are trying desperately to raise money, and signatures on petitions to fight this.
Please go to the website, and spread the word!
www.calparks.org/fightclosures/ |
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hjf
Plugged In
Posts: 147
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« Reply #13 on: June 25, 2009, 03:42:53 PM »
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I have emailed our local reps Cox and Berryhill and today I called both of their offices today. These two Republicans are a key to keeping the park open.
The lady taking the call at Cox's Roseville office was familiar with our area. When I gave her my address she knew where Camp Connell was. She also did not want the parks closed.
The more calls they receive the better chance we have to keep the park open.
Berryhill:
Modesto Office
1912 Standiford Ave, Suite 4
Modesto, CA 95350
209-576-6425
209-576-6426 fax
Cox:
Jackson Office
33C Broadway
Jackson, CA 95642
Phone: (209) 223-9140
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Jim Vinson
Plugged In
Posts: 196
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« Reply #14 on: September 26, 2009, 03:03:14 PM »
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Reprieve - for now.
-Jim-
September 25, 2009 04:20 pm
Bill Johnson, myMotherLoad.com News Director
Sacramento, CA -- Governor Schwarzenegger made the announcement this afternoon that all state parks in California will remain open until at least June 30, 2010.
Here in the Mother Lode that means that Railtown 1897 and Columbia State Historic Park in Tuolumne County and Big Trees State Park in Calaveras County no longer face the threat of potential closure.
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...on the beautiful Dorrington Meadow!
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