The Trail Companion

Winter 2000

Support California Parks and Wildlife in the March 7th Election

Californians will vote for a parks bond act on March 7th for the first time since 1988 with Proposition 12, the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000. As the state's population continues to grow-at a rate of 600,000 people a year--the need to support our parks and environment has become even more crucial. This bond, similar to those passed by the voters during the 1970s and 1980s, provides funds for all the state agencies that protect land and recreational resources for future generations, and also makes grants to local agencies that perform the same functions. The bond act gives greatest emphasis to urbanized areas, including the Bay Area, providing special funds to heavily urbanized areas. It includes funds for urban conservation corps, recreation for at-risk youth, open space protection in fast growing suburbs, and protection of remaining wildlife areas in some of our fastest growing counties. Santa Clara County alone stands to receive over $40 million for parks, trails, clean air and water.
     The California Environmental Dialogue (CED), a coalition of business and environmental groups, have identified a need for over $12 billion over the next ten years to protect and enhance critical natural resources and agricultural lands. Prop. 12 will serve as a down payment for that protection.
     Another important bond act is also on the ballot-Proposition 13, the Safe Drinking Water, Clean Water, Watershed Protection and Flood Protection Act. This act would fund improvements to California's drinking water supply, improved flood control measures (including improved control over development in flood plains), protection for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and statewide watershed protection.
     More information, including a breakdown of funding, is available on the Safe Parks website (Prop. 12); and at the Yes on 13! website.
     We urge you to invest in California's future and vote for Propositions 12 and 13 on March 7th.