Heritage Fund

Viewpoint: Arizona’s state parks eyed by panel

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[Source: Editorial Board, Tucson Citizen] — A task force will review our state parks system and its challenges, after several parks were temporarily closed.  We’re glad that Gov. Jan Brewer is assembling the panel, particularly if it can quantify the backlog of parks maintenance and rehabilitation needs.

Some of the prettiest state parks anywhere are in Arizona.  And though the current recession precludes plans for improvements anytime soon, all Arizonans would benefit from better caretaking of our prized state spots once the recession has passed and a more prosperous era returns.  Arizona parks, alas, have suffered a fate similar to that of national parks: too little money for maintenance, programs, and staff.  Unless the parks are well-funded, they can’t bring in funds — a Catch-22 that should be unsnarled when money permits.  Until then, we’re glad Brewer’s panel will assemble the data needed so that once funds become available, parks can be rehabilitated anew.

Sustainable State Parks Task Force renewed by Arizona Gov. Brewer

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[Source: Office of the Governor] — Governor Jan Brewer recently signed an executive order to reestablish the Governor’s Sustainable State Parks Task Force, which will begin work immediately.  “It is essential that we find a sustainable solution for our State Parks system,” said Governor Brewer. “State Parks are important to Arizona’s economy and numerous local communities, as they attract millions of visitors and preserve important cultural and natural resources.  Now more than ever we need to reexamine the condition of the state park system and find creative ways for our beautiful parks to endure.”

The Sustainable State Parks Task Force was originally created in 2008 by executive order, but no progress to date has been made. In an effort to work through recent budget reductions and possible closures of various parks, Governor Brewer has re-assembled a group of leaders from across the state to examine and provide recommendations for the future of Arizona State Parks. The charge given the Task Force is the same as in 2008, to assess the condition of the State Parks system and its impacts on Arizona’s overall economy.  Ultimately the group will make recommendations to the Governor as to how the system can achieve financial sustainability into the future.

Rich Dozer, president of GenSpring, a Phoenix Investment Company, and former president of the Arizona Diamondbacks will chair the Task Force.  He will be joined by William Roe, Glen Kerslake and Diana Freshwater of Tucson; Robert McLendon of Yuma; Grady Gammage, Jr. of Tempe; Bill Cordasco of Flagstaff; and Walter Meek, Harry Papp, and Jeffery Williamson of Phoenix. The Task Force may grow its membership to no more than 21, and all members will serve without compensation.  The deadline for their recommendations is October 31, 2009.

“These places, such as Kartchner Caverns, Tonto National Bridge, and Tombstone, are all cultural and recreational jewels of Arizona,” said incoming chairman Dozer.  “In this economy, it is a great challenge to find a sustainable method to fund their protection and enhancement.”  [Note: For more information, contact Paul Senseman at 602-542-1342.]

4 condors to join wild flock at Vermilion Cliffs

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[Source: Ron Dungan, Arizona Republic] — Witness the release of four California condors at 11 a.m. Saturday at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in northern Arizona. “Arizona is privileged to be home to one of only three wild California condor populations in the world, so residents and visitors to our state have a unique opportunity to watch this release,” said Kathy Sullivan, a condor biologist with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Condors were added to the federal endangered species list in 1967. In the 1980s, biologists captured the remaining 22 birds and started a captive-breeding program. Condors produced in captivity are periodically released to help expand the wild populations. [To read the full article, click here].

Viewpoint: Arizona state legislature’s grab of open-space funds violates constitution

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[Source: Editorial Board, Tucson Citizen] –Taking millions from a voter-approved land conservation fund does not ‘further the purpose’ of the fund.  The Arizona Legislature won’t let a trifling thing like the state constitution stand in the way of its efforts to patch budget holes. The Arizona House has given preliminary approval to steal-from-Peter-to-pay-Paul legislation that would take money from a constitutionally protected open-space fund to help keep state parks open.  It is a shrewd move that has divided environmentalists who have been critical of the Legislature’s attacks on state parks.  But it clearly runs counter to the constitution — a far bigger obstacle.

To help balance the hemorrhaging budget, the Legislature slashed spending by the state Parks Department. That forced three closures — McFarland and Jerome historic parks and Tonto Natural Bridge — and threatened closure of eight others.  After protests, legislators came up with a “solution” in HB 2088: Take $20 million from a fund for land conservation and give about half to the Arizona State Parks Board.  The other half would be distributed to the Land, Commerce, and Water Resources departments.  That molified parks supporters, but there is a bigger problem: The land conservation fund was established by voters.

The state constitution says legislators can alter voter-approved measures only with a three-quarters vote of both houses and only if the action “furthers the purpose” of the initiative.  The three-quarters threshold is iffy. But there is no way that taking money from the fund “furthers the purpose” of land conservation.  The fund was established in 1998 as part of voter-approved conservation measures and provides grants for land purchases by local governments.  Legislators say they will only “borrow” the money and repay it when they are able.  That’s not good enough.  The fund was set up to buy and preserve land, not as a revolving loan fund for legislators’ use.

Sandy Bahr, director of the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club, called the move “a very, very cynical move by some in the majority to try to pit conservation interests against each other to weaken, undercut and get around the voter-protection act and not take responsibility for the terrible budget they passed.”  We agree.

In 1998 — the same year voters established the conservation fund — they also approved the Voter Protection Act, which protects citizen initiatives.  Voters acted after the Legislature frequently undercut, repealed and diverted dollars from voter-approved measures.  This move shows why such a measure was so needed.  We urge legislators to reject HB 2088.  It is wrong, unfair, and unconstitutional.  [Note: To read the viewer comments, click here.]