Arizona State Parks Board

Arizona’s state parks face “devastating” cuts

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State budget cuts may cause Tonto Natural Bridge officials to postpone fixing leaky roof and restoring historic lodge. (Roundup photo file)

[Source: Pete Aleshire, Payson Roundup] — Tonto Natural Bridge State Park has put out an urgent plea for volunteer workers after learning it must lay off half its staff to cope with “devastating” legislative budget cuts.  Staggered by the a mid-year $5-million budget cut approved by lawmakers over the weekend, the Arizona State Parks Board this week held an emergency meeting to find alternatives to closing eight of the state’s 27 parks.  “We do not have enough money to run the parks until June,” said assistant director Jay Ziemann.  “The parks system is rapidly falling apart.”

The legislature has now not only cut general fund contributions to the park to a fraction of the operating cost, but has swept some $32 million from various funds earmarked by law for various park and recreation purposes. 

Tonto Natural Bridge features a 183-foot-high arch of travertine over a 150-foot-long tunnel dissolved in a wall of rock.  The park remains one of the best-known attractions in Rim Country, where towns are struggling to maintain tourism in the face of the downturn.  The cuts have killed the staff’s hopes for money to fix a leaky roof and restore the historic lodge, which park managers had hoped to contract for this spring.  Now, the park will need more volunteers just to maintain minimal operations.  [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Arizona State Parks director gets 11% raise amid budget crisis

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[Source: Casey Newton, Arizona Republic] — As the Arizona State Parks Board was entering the budget crisis that threatens to close eight parks and cause dozens of layoffs, the board gave its director an 11% raise.  Ken Travous, who has worked for the board since 1986, saw his salary increase in November by more than $14,000, to $142,811.  The move was made retroactive to July 1, 2008, to ensure Travous receives increased benefits when he retires June 30.

The news has rankled some parks employees, who are bracing for possible layoffs when the board considers closing parks later this month.  Most state employees received raises of 2% or less over the past four years.  Sandy Bahr, director of the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter, said salary increases for top officials can make it more difficult to convince the Legislature that more funds are needed for park operating expenses.  “Throwing that into the mix kind of undercuts the message,” she said.  “When you’re talking about laying people off and furloughing people and closing parks, everyone is going to have to do their part.  So it does not seem like a good time.” 

Board Chairman Reese Woodling said Travous approached him about a raise last year, noting that he had not received a salary increase since 2004.  Woodling, who helped hire Travous, said Travous has a distinguished record of service and deserved a raise.  [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Roper, 7 other Arizona state parks to remain open for now

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Roper Lake State Park

[Source: Diane Saunders, Eastern Arizona Courier] — Roper Lake State Park south of Safford dodged an economic bullet Feb. 4 when the Arizona State Parks Board decided not to close eight state parks in an effort to help the state budget crisis.  Instead, the State Parks Board will examine other ways to overcome a budget deficit at its Feb. 20 meeting, according to the department’s Web site.

Roper Lake and seven other Arizona state parks were targeted for closure after the Arizona Legislature decided to divert money from the agency to help balance the state’s budget.  According to the Arizona State Parks Department, Roper is one of the costliest parks in Arizona to operate.  Nearly 86,000 people visit Roper each year, however, the cost to the state is $2.51 per visitor.  In comparison, Arizona’s costliest park to operate is McFarland State Historic Park in Pinal County.  That park draws 4,945 visitors a year and it costs the state $37.94 per visitor to operate, according to the Arizona State Parks Department.

Only two of Arizona’s state parks make money — Catalina in Pima County and Kartchner Caverns in Cochise County.  Catalina has 168,874 visitors a year and makes a profit of 90 cents per visitor.  Kartchner draws 160,013 visitors a year and makes $2.51 per visitor.  [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Action Alert! Voter-approved Arizona Heritage Fund threatened (once again)

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[Source: Arizona Heritage Alliance] — You are aware the Arizona State Legislature is in the process of resolving a $1.5 billion dollar budget shortfall for the remainder of fiscal year 2009 and a $3.5 billion dollar shortfall for 2010.

We realize all state agencies are being hit hard, but the impact on Arizona State Parks will be crippling and ALL of the State Parks administered state-funded grant programs have been discontinued until further notice – this includes Heritage Fund grants.

All work on State Parks Heritage Fund grant projects has been stopped effective February 1, 2009.  Until we hear otherwise, Heritage Fund grants that were awarded last year and have started construction or reconstruction are to CEASE.

This is not the first time the legislature has tried to raid Heritage Funds from Arizona State Parks.  Thanks to you and thousands of other Arizonans who contacted their legislators in the past, we were able to stave off 30+ such raids. But this time they did it under the guise of balancing the budget deficit that no one had the chance to make them stop and think about the consequences.

As a result, the State Parks Board is left to deal with the mess handed to them. The State Parks Board has until February 20 to figure it out.  Will the Parks Board close eight state parks for good, or close all state parks a few days a week?  Whatever they choose, the impact on Arizona State Parks will be devastating.  

Governor Jan Brewer signed this budget.  We urge you to call or e-mail Governor Brewer and ask her to review the options for the State Parks budget and tell her not to sweep Heritage Fund dollars! Arizona’s 27 State Parks welcome 2.3 million visitors each year. They are our past, present, and future. We need to embrace them, and be good stewards.

What can you do?

  • Voice your opinion to Governor Brewer at: 602-542-1318, toll free 1-800-253-0883, or e-mail
  • Visit and bookmark the Arizona Heritage Alliance website
  • Sign onto our “Dear Legislator” letter
  • Forward this Action Alert to like-minded friends, family members, and colleagues

As always, thank you for your support of Arizona’s heritage. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, please contact us.