The Trailmaster has visited all 279 of them and is outraged by plans to close them.

I’ve visited each and every one of California’s state parks, all 279 of them.

Anza-Borrego Desert, Big Basin Redwoods, China Camp…

As much, and likely more than anyone, I know the size and scope of California’s park system, and what it offers me and the 75 million visitors a year who come to the parks to surf, cycle, kayak, camp, picnic and hike.

Doheny, Emerald Bay, Fort Ross…

I am outraged by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposal to slash California’s already miserly funding to the park’s department and close 80 percent of the parks—supposedly to help balance a state budget that is $24 billion in the red.

Grover Hot Springs, Humboldt Redwoods, Indian Grinding Rock…

Other states have high mountains, vast deserts, and scenic shorelines, but only California contains all of these natural features, and preserves examples of them in its park system.

Jug Handle, La Purisima Mission, Malibu Creek…

Other states have high unemployment rates, reduced tax revenue and significant budget deficits, but only California is seriously considering closure of most of its park system.

Natural Bridges, Oceano Dunes, Point Lobos…

Fortunately, when it comes to parks, California’s citizenry has more sense than its politicians.

Richardson Grove, San Clemente, Torrey Pines…

Last year park supporters thwarted the closure of 40 parks and this year, under the leadership of the California State Parks Foundation, they’re besieging Sacramento with protests over the monumentally unpopular proposal to close so many parks.

Van Damme, Washoe Meadows, Zmudowski…

Visit www.Calparks.org to learn more about the threats to California parklands and what you can do to help.