California Public Health Association-North Endorses 2010 State Parks Initiative

CPHA-N Urges Other Public Health Organizations to Support State Parks Initiative

OAKLAND, CA — California Public Health Association-North announced its endorsement of the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010, a proposed statewide initiative slated for the November ballot, that will provide a stable, reliable and adequate source of funding to protect state parks and conserve wildlife. The initiative will give California vehicles free admission to state parks in exchange for a new $18 vehicle license fee, which will be specifically dedicated to state parks and wildlife conservation.

“This initiative will ensure public access to the state’s parks, which can play a significant role in improving the health of Californians,” said Dr. David Spath, president of California Public Health Association-North. “Parks afford opportunities for physical activity and stress reduction that are important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”

The nation and, in particular, California, face a rising epidemic of obesity.  According to state health officials, one third of the state’s children, one in four teens and more than half of all California adults are overweight or obese.  With 3,000 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, state parks are an important resource in promoting an active, healthy lifestyle for Californians.

California’s 278 state parks, which include state beaches and state historic parks, are priceless public assets and a vital legacy for our children and future generations.  However, budget cuts have starved state parks, causing them to accumulate a backlog of more than $1 billion in needed maintenance and repairs.

Roofs and sewage systems leak, restrooms are not cleaned regularly, bridges have collapsed, trails are washed out, campgrounds and visitor centers are shuttered and buildings and structures throughout the system are badly deteriorated. Thousands of scenic acres are closed to the public because of reductions in park rangers, and crime has more than doubled. Destruction and vandalism of the parks themselves has grown fourfold, and beachgoers are often unprotected because of decreases in lifeguards.

California Public Health Association-North now joins a rapidly growing coalition of supporters including, California Travel Industry Association, California Lodging Industry Association,

California State Parks Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Natural Resources Defense Council, California State Park Rangers Association, Audubon California and the California State Lifeguard Association.

For more information on the initiative and to view current supporters, please visit www.YesForStateParks.com.