May 29, 2009
By SAMANTHA YOUNG - Associated Press Writer

SACRAMENTO (AP) -- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed closing up to 220 state parks to help cut the state's $24.3 billion deficit, including popular attractions for millions of visitors each year, such as a park that is home to some of the tallest trees on Earth.

Schwarzenegger has recommended eliminating $70 million in parks spending through June 30, 2010. Another $143.4 million would be saved in the following fiscal year by keeping the parks closed.

"This is a worst-case scenario," said Roy Sterns, a spokesman at the state parks department. "If we can do less than this, we will try. But under the present proposal, this is it."

Among the parks closed would be Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay, Will Rogers' Southern California ranch, the Governor's Mansion in Sacramento and Humboldt Redwoods State Park.


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