ABDSP closure would devastate local economy

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Briana Ross
Phone: (760) 767-0446
May 29, 2009

ABDSP closure would devastate local economy

Borrego Springs, CA – Governor Schwarzenegger’s recent proposal to close an estimated eighty percent of state parks would have a devastating effect on local economies and parks alike. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (ABDSP), California’s largest state park located in eastern San Diego County, has been targeted for potential shuttering. With over 600,000 acres, closing ABDSP would lead to the closure of twenty percent of the total land area of San Diego County. ABDSP’s immense size means there are countless access points onto Parklands. In the event of a closure, protecting the Park’s fragile lands will be impossible and the potential for irreparable damage is massive.

Visitors who flock to the Park for its solitude, unparalleled beauty, and mild winter weather often stop in Borrego Springs during their visit. Surrounded by ABDSP on all sides, the village of Borrego Springs relies heavily on the tourism the state park provides. The town and its businesses would be economically devastated by this potential closure, as it would lead to a substantial loss of visitors. ABDSP is host to over a million visitors each year. A loss in tourism of this magnitude would have a devastating effect on Borrego Springs, made even more vulnerable by an already unstable economy.

Anza-Borrego Foundation, on behalf of its 2,300 members, vehemently opposes the Governor’s proposal. We will continue to stand up for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and all of California’s state parks. Contact your state legislators by going to www.calparks.org/stopclosures.

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