ARIZONA STATE PARKS: For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona’s natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partners. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997. Contact by Email: pio(at)azstateparks.gov
(Phoenix, AZ - September 11, 2009) Today the Arizona State Parks Board accepted management recommendations presented by staff to balance the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 State Parks budget. "With the loss of all state General Fund monies, and conservation funds which have been transferred over to the General Fund, the department only has $19.3 million to operate," said Parks Board Chairman Reese Woodling.
"This budget is a 27% reduction from FY 2009 and approximately 25 - 30 employees will be laid off throughout the agency. Some parks operations will be reduced to high season months, five-day a week, or be open only for special events and other uses. (see website for individual park recommendations.) Those changes will begin as of October 1, 2009. Now all of the funds to operate the State Parks department must be earned through gate fees or come from the remaining conservation funds," said Executive Director Renee Bahl. "In November the Board will also be voting on the park user fee proposals made by the staff. To increase revenues, we will work with the Treasurer's office to modify our investment strategies to maximize interest income."
"Our goal is to keep as many parks open as possible and draw the 2.3 million visitors to the parks so they spend their vacations in Arizona and support those rural economies. The State Parks $266 million economic impact in tourism is critical for these towns and we are meeting with local governments and private sector partners to help keep the parks open as much as possible," said Bahl. "We are also seeking volunteers to assist with some of the day-to-day operations at the parks and welcome the public's input on how to keep the park system operating during these dire times." The Federal Recreational Trails grant program and Growing Smarter State Trust Land Acquisition Grants were approved as presented for many important land conservation projects. (see website for details on grants.)
For more information about the 30 State Parks, statewide hiking opportunities, off-highway vehicle trails, and other outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities in Arizona, call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit AZStateParks.com. Follow us on twitter.com/AZStateParks.
See Proposed Fee Schedule 2010 
Learn More About the State Parks Board
link to this page:
http://azstateparks.com/press/2009/PR_09-11-09.html
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