State park fees: Good news, bad news. RVers could take hit.

It's a good news/bad news scenario. Arizona State Park officials are floating possible fee changes for 2012. The good news is for folks who use special facilities, things like ramadas, cabanas, and boat-in sites. For the rest of us, principally RVers, the bad news--and the increased number of bucks--start.

By press release, the Parks board says charges for specific uses such as booking ramadas, group day use, group camping, cabanas, and boat-in sites. Facility use fee ranges would be reduced to a minimum fee of $15 from $25. That's a nice $10 drop. On the other and, watch out campers! Ranges in fees for non-electric camping would be increased to $15-25, electric $25-50. Whoa there, pardner! I know RVers who cringe at the thought of paying $50 in an upscale RV resort.

A little more deviling comes to get there to start with. Per-person entrance fees could have an "upper limit" of $10, with the minimum of $2 a head.

Got a comment on the fee changes? You have until January 13 to bit your two-bits in electronically. After that, the Park Boards meets in February, takes the last of the comments in person, makes their big decision, and the new fee changes roll into place on April 1. To make a comment on-line by January 13, go to http://azstateparks.com/board/comments.html.

Observe the heavens Nov. 19 at Alamo State Park

Alamo Lake State Park will host its "5th Annual Night Under the Stars" astronomy program on the night of the new moon on Saturday, Nov. 19. Because Alamo Lake State Park is 30 miles from the nearest small town, the park's dark skies offer some of Arizona's best unaided views of celestial objects like the Andromeda Galaxy and the Triangulum Galaxy. Activities begin at noon and continue throughout the day and evening.

Terrestial objects that are not easily seen from within the city are easy binocular targets when viewed from Alamo Lake State Park due to the dark environment. Moons, planets, galaxies, star clusters and nebula will fill up the eyepiece when seen through the telescopes set up for visitors that night. Astronomy clubs and amateur astronomers from around the state provide the telescopes to allow visitors to explore the night sky.

If you attend, bring a red flashlight and comfort items such as folding chairs, warm clothes, bottled water and snacks. The park has camping, fishing and ramadas available for RVers and tents. Primitive camping sites are offered to participating astronomy clubs and individuals who bring a telescope to the Star Party to share with visitors.

The Park Entrance fee is $7 (up to four adults) per vehicle. Primitive and full hookup camping sites are available at a fee of $13 to $25 per night depending on the type of camping site needed. Alamo Lake State Park is located 38 miles north of Wenden and US 60. Wenden is two hours west of Phoenix north of I-10. Alamo Lake State Park offers hiking, OHV trails, birdwatching, bass fishing, and is one of Arizona's largest lakes. Learn more at the Alamo State Park website. Campground reservations can now be made online.

New state park for Arizona

With all the financial problems the states are having, and especially in Arizona where several of the state parks have already closed, you wouldn't think that the state would be adding a new state park.

Well, actually, they aren't. But they are about to change the name of Hololovi Ruins State Park to a different name, possibly dropping the word "Ruins" from the name as has been requested by the Hope Tribe, who will be operating the park.

With the grand re-opening of the State Parks/Hopi Tribe partnership to launch on March 18, the State Parks Board asking for public comment. They are open to any suggestions the public may have to offer about this name change and will discuss this at the March 17, 2011 public Board meeting in Winslow City Council Chambers.

Public suggestions about changing the name of the State Park may be directed to the Arizona State Parks website "Comments" section.

These Hopi ancestral villages at Homolovi Ruins State Park include four major pueblos, numerous smaller structures and site features ranging in size from one-room pithouses to a 1200-room pueblo, and panels of petroglyphs with numerous depictions of katcina and clan symbols. The sites date from AD 620-850; AD 1050-1225; and AD 1260-1400.

100 attend Capitol rally for state parks

Waving signs admonishing lawmakers for sweeping state park funds into the general fund to meet budget shortages, more than 100 protesters turned out for the rally at the Capitol Mall on Monday. The parks budget dropped from $26 million in January 2009 to $7.5 million.

Speakers at the rally said further park closures would bring severe economic harm to rural areas that rely on tourism, and an estimated $260 million in revenues to state and local governments. Last month, after the budget cuts from the Legislature, the Arizona State Parks Board voted to close thrteen more parks by the end of June. Eight other parks either are closed already, were transferred to outside control, or are being kept open through an outside funding source.

Other speakers advocated the House Bill 2628 that would create a dedicated funding stream for state parks through vehicle license fees. In exchange for paying the fee, Arizona motorists would get free admission to any state park. The bill has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.

Rally to save state parks

House Bill 2628 and House Concurrant Resolution 2040 both call for a fee to be added to every non-commercial Arizona vehicle to be used for funding the state parks. They vary slightly in how that would be done and the amount of the fee. Both admit vehicles with Arizona license plates for free day use to all state parks. This seems to be a good way to not only fund the parks but to increase usage, and therefore appreciation, for state parks.

However, one thing concerns me, as it should all RV snowbirds. What do they intend to charge us "outsiders" for admission? Will this become a situation of appeasing and pleasing Arizona voters at the expense of out-of-state visitors? Will parks begin charging snowbirds a day use fee in addition to a camping fee as is done in some other states?

Though I think the base plan is good, I wonder who is looking out for RV snowbirds. If you want to make your voice heard, join the Arizona State Parks Foundation and plan on attending the rally at the Arizona State Capitol on Monday, February 1st at 10:30 a.m.

Bill Meek, President of Arizona State Parks Foundation will be among the featured speakers. Following the program, attendees will be encouraged to move to the House Floor Gallery for the 1:00 p.m. session opening. Afternoon hearings are scheduled to be conducted by the House and Senate Natural Resources Committees which represent the interests of Arizona State Parks to the full House and Senate.

Visit the Arizona State Parks Foundation Web site for more details.

Visit Arizona State Parks--they need the revenue

The damage to the state park system of Arizona has been done. Communities that do not rally to save the parks that are destined to close will be the losers, as will those of us who visited these state parks.

But there is something the rest of us can do now, and that is to visit the parks that remain open, not only for our enjoyment but also to provide the needed revenue that will not only keep those parks open but could also be used to reopen some that have closed.

Over the next nine days I will profile one of the remaining open parks. And please find time as well as make the necessary route changes to your itinery that will enable you to visit one of these fine parks, for yourself and for the future of Arizona State Parks.

Buckskin Mountain State Park

The park offers one of the finest views along the 18-mile Parker strip, "Arizona's West Coast," between Parker Dam and Headgate Dam. Dramatic mountains line the Colorado River on both the Arizona and California sides, and the wildlife is as varied as the recreational opportunities along the river.

This picturesque park provides a scenic respite, mountain hikes, a desert escape, and fun-filled water adventure. The park has a campground with full hook-up, partial hook-up, and primitive campsites, cabana sites, a beach, hiking trails, restrooms, showers, boat ramp, picnic area, basketball and volleyball court, playground, restaurant, camp store, arcade, gas dock, and ranger station.

In the summer, Buckskin is popular for boating, jet skiing, swimming, and camping and is visited by snowbirds from across America and Canada. In the winter, visitors appreciate the mild climate and enjoy camping, fishing and hiking in the park. Buckskin is a year-round destination for those looking to discover a variety of recreational and cultural resources.

The Colorado River Indian Reservation is just east of Parker and archaeological sites are scattered up and down the river. Parker Dam, the world's deepest dam, is located approximately five miles to the north on Highway 95. About 25 miles north is Lake Havasu City, home of the famous London Bridge. This 1,677-acre park has been operated by Arizona State Parks since 1967.

Note the following fee changes:

Starting Feb. 1, 2010, Buckskin Mountain State Park's camping sites with water, electric, & sewer will be $28. Camping sites with electric and water will be $26. Cabanas will be $25.

The nine Arizona Stat Parks that will remain open include Buckskin Mountain State Park in Parker, Catalina State Park near Tucson, Cattail Cove State Park in Lake Havasu City, Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area in Show Low, Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson, Lake Havasu State Park, Patagonia Lake State Park and Slide Rock State Park in Sedona.

Four state parks saved by previous agreements

With most of Arizona's state parks closing, as mentioned in previous posts here on RV Arizona, except for those that are turning a profit, there are four others that luckily survived the legislators ax.

These are the parks that had previously established agreements when the state park system took them over. Each will now revert back to the original operator or owner as per these agreements and will likely stay open unless the operator decides to close it.

These include Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park in Superior, Sonoita Creek State Natural Area (photo), Verde River Greenway State Natural Area and Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park, which the city of Yuma is keeping open and has already increased the number of visitors.

Check back often as we will keep you posted on the latest developments with the Arizona State Parks.

List of state park closures

When the dust settled on the vote by the Arizona State Parks Board yesterday, the result was that 13 state parks will close, the final plan leaving open only nine parks—at least as part of the state park system. Some may stay open by reverting to previous owners or administrative agencies other than the state parks system, as did the Yuma Quartermaster Depot when taken over by the city of Yuma.

The nine parks that will stay open are:
• Kartchner Caverns, near Benson
• Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City
• Cattail Cove, near Lake Havasu City
• Slide Rock, Sedona
• Catalina, near Tucson
• Buckskin Mountain, near Parker
• Patagonia Lake, Patagonia
• Dead Horse Ranch, Cottonwood
• Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, Show Low

The parks closing will be closed in sequence with the first phase of closures beginning February 22, 2010 and will include:
• Homolovi Ruins, Winslow
• Lyman Lake, St. Johns
• Riordan Mansion SHP, Flagstaff

The next phase will close on March 29, 2010 and will include:
• Fort Verde SHP, Camp Verde
• Roper Lake, Safford
• Tombstone Courthouse SHP, Tombstone
• Yuma Territorial Prison SHP, Yuma
• Tubac Presidio SHP, Tubac

The final phase will close on June 3, 2010 and include:
• Tonto Natural Bridge, Payson
• Alamo Lake, Wenden
• Lost Dutchman, Apache Junction
• Picacho Peak, between Phoenix and Tucson
• Red Rock, Sedona

Yuma keeps Quartermaster Depot State Park open

With some of the Arizona State Parks on the permanent closure list, a deal between the parks department and the city of Yuma may emerge as a model for the cash strapped state.

Under the agreement, the city will operate the Quartermaster Depot park temporarily to ensure the historic attraction remains open for residents and visitors alike until the state recovers financially.

Yuma took over operation of the Depot last October. Since then the park has had 14,000 visitors, more than it had during the entire last 12 months.

"That's an example of Yuma working with the state to improve services to the public," Governor Brewer said in a speech in Yuma.

She later told the Yuma Sun: "Absolutely, the park is a role model for the rest of the state. I'm so thrilled to hear about how the city is stepping up to take this responsibility from the state. I've shared that with many other communities. It's remarkable you were able to put that together."

State Parks staff recommends closing thirteen parks

Arizona State Parks Board will consider this Friday a proposal by State Parks staff to close thirteen state parks due to budget deficits in the state. More parks may close if the parks cannot raise enough money from entry fees to keep them open by the end of the fiscal year, June 30.

The six most profitable parks based on visitation income include Alamo near Wenden, Kartchner Caverns in Benson, Slide Rock near Sedona, Catalina near Tucson, Dead Horse Ranch near Cottonwood and Lake Havasu at Lake Havasu City. Also remaining open would be Buckskin Mountain near Parker, Cattail Cove at Lake Havasu City, and Fool Hollow near Show Low.

The parks that would close under the proposal include Tonto Natural Bridge near Payson, Red Rock near Sedona, Lost Dutchman near Apache Junction, and Tombstone Courthouse in Tombstone.

Lake Havasu City steps up to plate to keep park open

One of Arizona's most visited state parks, Lake Havasu's Windsor Beach, is on the state's budgetary chopping block. When state officials threatened to close down the park for lack of funding, 'City Fathers' have stepped into the gap.

Charlie Cassens, Lake Havasu City's interim city manager is quoted in the Arizona Republic, "We're ready to do whatever's necessary to keep Lake Havasu State Park open for our residents and our visitors," he said. "That is a vital and integral part of this community's economy." State officials will meet this Thursday to deliberate whether or not to turn control of the popular park over to the city. With nearly 250,000 visitors a year, a closure would certainly mean a hit on tourism revenues.

Other Arizona municipalities have already been helping out the state, some contributing funds to assist with park operating costs, others loaning equipment or working to organize volunteer labor pools for park maintenance.

photo courtesy Arizona State Parks

Arizona State Parks to close if governor signs bill

A bill passed this week by the Arizona legislature will lead ultimately to the closure of all state parks, according to the Arizona State Parks Foundation, including those along the Colorado River such as Buckskin Mountain, River Island, Cattail Cove and Lake Havasu State Park - Windsor Beach.

The bill cuts more than $9 million of Parks funds, leaving the agency with only about $10 million in its 2010 budget. That’s less than 30 percent of the agency’s normal funding and not enough to continue park operations beyond this fiscal year.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and the Arizona legislature are seeking $205 million in cuts to mitigate a deficit estimated to be $1.5 billion. The Foundation says the proposed cuts to State Parks would provide just 4 percent of their goal, while shutting down the Park’s annual contribution to the Arizona economy of more than $266 million (much of which is generated in busy parks like those in the Parker area).

The cuts will force major reductions in Parks staff and closure of more than half of the State’s 30 parks this fiscal year. The resulting loss of Park revenue is projected to leave the Parks System with no money to start the next fiscal year, July 1, 2010. The next step would be to shut down the entire system and dispose of Parks properties, returning most of them to their original owners.

The Foundation’s website now contains an “urgent call to action”, saying:

If legislatures could keep parks open to Arizonans through 50 years of prior downturns, wars, gas crises and political turmoil, surely current lawmakers can find the revenues to do so–-especially given the great economic value, popularity and intrinsic worth of our state parks.

If you or your children wish to ever visit such extraordinary places like Kartchner Caverns State Park, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, or Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, you must act today. It is our last hope.

According to the Foundation, the last hope for keeping State Parks open is a line-by-line veto by Governor Brewer of the Parks cuts in the bill. They are appealing to the Governor to do this and ask that the public do the same.