Budget cuts threaten state parks
Watauga Democrat, February 18, 2010
By: staff reports

Like other states across the country, North Carolina's funding for its state parks has been reduced in recent years due to budget cutbacks and challenging economic conditions. Some states have scheduled state park closings due to massive funding reductions.
 
To raise awareness about the plight of state parks systems across the country, North Carolina has joined a national effort to mobilize and educate the public and policy makers on the positive impact state parks have on public health and local economies.
 
Millions of Americans who rely on state parks for outdoor activities risk losing access to cherished natural and recreational assets as budgets are slashed. In response, the America's State Parks alliance (www.americasstateparks.com) was created by the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) to counter that threat to outdoor recreation.
 
In North Carolina, a record 14.3 million visitors went to state parks in 2009. It represents an annual economic impact of $400 million, reflecting the value North Carolinians place on affordable outdoor recreation, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. Nationally, more than 725 Americans visited state parks in 2009, demonstrating strong demand for budget-friendly outdoor recreation and cultural tourism within easy access to home.
 
"North Carolina has a deep-rooted tradition of protecting its stunning natural resources and making them accessible at low cost to citizens and visitors," said Lewis Ledford, state parks director. "The results of that tradition, which led to the acquisition of 46,340 acres over the past eight years, include healthier lifestyles, economic stimulus to communities where state parks are located and a strong conservation ethic."
 
The America's State Parks alliance will work collaboratively to share resources, best practices and engage in national partnerships with corporations for stewardship programs, aiding state parks during a time of budget shortfalls and strong demand for state park experiences. Partnerships with corporations can help preserve many of America's most prized natural assets through their affiliation and sponsorship of programs such as reforestation, trail preservation and maintenance and solar-energy installations.
 
"Building state parks creates jobs and operating state parks stimulates outdoor recreation and tourism spending. That translates to a huge boon to our local economies," said NASPD President Joe Elton, director of Virginia State Parks. "In 2009, visitors to state parks across America helped created a $20 billion economic impact, which is an incredible return on investment given that the overall budget expenditure nationwide is less than $2.3 billion."
 
Often called "America's backyard," state parks protect many of the nation's most prized natural assets - beaches, mountains, forests and lakes - giving Americans convenient access to public lands. Also, local governments view state parks as "clean economic development" that bring tourist dollars while requiring little investment in infrastructure and services.