Those worried that the impressive views of Monterey Bay and San
Juan Valley at Fremont Peak State Park would not be accessible
during the rest of the year due to its inclusion on the state
closure list can breathe a sigh of relief.
Those worried that the impressive views of Monterey Bay and San Juan Valley at Fremont Peak State Park would not be accessible during the rest of the year due to its inclusion on the state closure list can breathe a sigh of relief.
“At this point, the park has been removed from the list of closures, as has Henry Coe (State Park),” said Park Superintendent Eddie Guaracha.
In what is being called a victory for state recreation advocates, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s cuts to the parks budget – which would have resulted in 48 closures statewide – have been dropped.
Instead the California State Parks system is being asked to come up with $1.5 million dollars on its own through an increase in day-use and camping fees.
“Our department is still looking at increasing fees $1 to $2,” Guaracha said. “We will need to make up that $1.5 million somewhere. However, the places where the fees will be raised have not been identified at this time.”
When asked if it could be said with certainty that Fremont Peak would remain open for the season, Guaracha laughed and replied: “Well, in these times nothing can be said with certainty, but I would say that at this stage of the game it is very likely the parks will be open this year.”
There was strong public disapproval of the closures ultimately leading to the governor’s reversal.
The State Parks Foundation’s statement on the May Revise reads, in part: “It is clear that the May Revise is a response to the overwhelming statewide outcry opposing the closure of state parks. The Governor’s proposal is headed in the right direction and staves off the immediate crisis.”
The budget will still need to go through the state Legislature for approval, but it is unlikely that legislators choose to reinstate the cuts. All of this means that residents of San Benito County will be enjoying views of the stars and valleys all summer long.
