Government debt is forcing states to reduce or eliminate budgets intended for care of state parks. Arizona has been in the news recently for their attempt to close the majority of their state parks. Fortunately, the citizen’s desire to keep their state parks open resulted in talks between the state and individual towns.

Of the dozens of parks assigned to be closed, only four have ended up closed for the summer. Because of frustrations about the impending park closures, townspeople entered into a dialogue with the state and ended up with the state parks being put in their hands for management. Class A RV owners often winter in warm weather states such as Arizona and Texas where campgrounds saw an increase in visitors this past winter.

Up in New York, 80 parks were sacrificed to help keep government spending down. Parks weren’t the only institutions to see cuts; hospitals and schools also had government aide cut. Governor David A Patterson insisted this was the only way to help recoup money for the debt that New York has found itself in. While cutting funding from every institution may make sense on paper, in reality, state parks bring in revenue and help keep employment rates up.

New York isn’t the only state facing financial woes. California was headed in the same direction until the people of the state rebelled. Upon hearing their parks would be closed, Californians took to the streets to protest and rally. One march had scores of people trekking 260 miles from Bakersfield to Sacramento. When people stand up for their passions, change can happen.

When you assign a dollar amount of the spending that happens at state parks every year, the numbers add up. $255 million every year goes to parks and the surrounding communities, helping them keep people employed and paying bills.

Class A RV owners are a key target for state parks as their reputation for good living results in money given back to the communities they travel through. Cutting funding for state parks may be a mistake that can’t be corrected in the future.

Closing state parks may be shooting the states in the foot. There is still enough protected space out there to satisfy nature lovers. However, there’s nothing to say Class A RV enthusiasts won’t turn their loyalties to parks that remain open through financially good times and bad.

Exploring the beauty of this country is part of the RVing way of life. It’s a part of our heritage and in the end, parks – whether they are state or government owned – are the land of the people. Setting up entrance fees only helps ensure the park’s protection for future generations.

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