Changes for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park ®
Staff remains optimistic despite cutbacks
Photo by Jeff Young
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fter months of stress and uncertainty, California State Parks’ budget rollercoaster finally came to a halt at the end of September when Governor Schwarzenegger announced that all parks would remain open. State parks’ staff, volunteers, and nature-lovers across the state and the country all breathed a collective sigh of relief. The Governor, however, had not restored any money taken out of the California State Parks Department budget. So Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (ABDSP) will remain open to the public, but drastic cuts mean the Park will still face seasonal closures, service reductions, pay cuts and furloughs, in addition to potential budget threats in the future. “Now that all parks are to remain open, but with no further funding to maintain them, visitors will see a reduction in some services at AnzaBorrego Desert State Park,” said newly named Superintendent Kathy Dice. One of the most noticeable changes in ABDSP is the closure of the Visitor Center on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tamarisk Grove campground will be open Friday to Sunday only, rather than seven days a week. “Basically we do not have money for supplemental seasonal help to assist us with campground and Visitor Center operations or with housekeeping and restroom upkeep,” Dice explained. Kathy Dice receives Superintendent II The state park staff plans to do bars from retired ABDSP Superintendent everything possible to keep the Park Mark Jorgensen when she was named operating and provide friendly service superintendent of the Salton Sea State to the public. Recreation Area in 2005. “But even that has limitations,” she said. “We will have fewer rangers in the field and less maintenance staff to keep up with Park needs.” continued on page 3
Desert Update
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