Santa Cruz Sentinel - Big Basin Campfire restoration project not hindered by funding cut threat

06/21/09

Big Basin Campfire restoration project not hindered by funding cut threat

By KELLY O'CONNOR

BOULDER CREEK -- Despite Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposal last month to cut funding for 220 state parks, Big Basin Redwoods State Park continues to restore the historic Campfire Circle.

The Sempervirens Fund issued a $175,000 grant last month to restore and replace 139 redwood benches that have been at California's oldest state park for more than 50 years.

"This grant will complete the restoration of the historic outdoor amphitheater at a time when Californians are looking for outdoor recreational opportunities close to home," said Reed Holderman, the fund's executive director. "Nighttime nature shows are free, entertaining and informative about these amazing trees."

However, the same deep recession that has people seeking local recreation is also deepening California's budget crisis.

The $24 billion budget deficit prompted Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to propose funding cuts for 220 state parks, which the Legislature is set to debate during this weeks' budget hearings.

A total of 19 Santa Cruz County parks, including Big Basin, are listed for closure, said Bonny Hawley, executive director of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. More than 12 million annual visitors to Santa Cruz County state parks and beaches may have to turn elsewhere for outdoor recreation, she said.

"Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks is extremely alarmed and distressed at this proposal," Hawley said.

"We feel the state parks are part of our legacy."