Hearst Ranch acquisition runs into state’s “no new parkland” policy

The $95 million dollar deal to preserve scenic Hearst Ranch is in conflict with the Schwarzenegger administration’s policy of not adding new park land, according to the Mercury News.  As part of the deal, the State Parks Department would receive 13 miles of beaches.

The issue has exposed a wider problem at California’s nationally famous system of state parks—one that threatens Schwarzenegger’s carefully cultivated reputation as an environmentalist. Because voters have approved $10 billion in parks and water bonds since 2000, there is plenty of money to buy new land. But because bond money cannot be spent on operating costs and the state has a $5 billion deficit, there is no money for rangers.

This policy is the same one that has put the Pigeon Point lighthouse parkland in limbo.

Some of the rinky-dink solutions under discussion include a checkoff box on tax forms, a new license plate.  Asking the citizens to pay to maintain their park system with taxes is apparently not an option.