California State Parks and Wildlife ConservationTrust Fund Act of 2010

Greetings,

It is with great hope that I report that a significant step towards sustainability for our State Parks was taken this week by the California State Parks Foundation and partners. On November 3rd a proposed statewide ballot measure was filed with the Attorney General's office. The "California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010, would create a stable, reliable and adequate source of funding to protect state parks and conserve California wildlife."

From the California State Park Foundation's website:

Initiative Basics:

• The State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund ("Trust Fund") revenues could only be spent on state parks, wildlife, natural lands and ocean conservation programs.
  
• The Trust Fund would be funded by an $18 annual State Park Access Pass surcharge on all California cars, motorcycles and recreational vehicles that would be collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles as part of the annual vehicle license fee. Larger commercial vehicles (those subject to the Commercial Vehicle Registration Act), mobile homes and permanent trailers would be exempt.
  
• Vehicles subject to the surcharge and all occupants of those vehicles would have free day use admission to all state parks throughout the year.
  
• Trust Fund revenues would amount to approximately $500 million each year (based on about 28 million registered vehicles) and 85% would be allocated to state parks and 15% to other state wildlife and ocean protection agencies.
  
• With a new dedicated revenue stream in place, approximately $130 million of General Fund dollars, that provide a portion of overall state parks funding, would now be available for other vital needs, like schools, health care, social services or public safety.
  
• The Trust Fund would be subject to an independent audit by the State Auditor and a Citizens' Oversight Committee would be created to ensure funds are spent appropriately. Audit, oversight and administrative costs of this measure would be limited to 1% of the annual revenues.

Next Step - Qualified Signatures on Petitions

The next step will be to qualify enough signatures in the next few moths to get the initiative on the ballot in November of 2010. Stewards will be spearheading this effort in Sonoma County and if you are willing to help, please email stewards@mcn.org with your name, preferred email address and phone number. I will have more information after November 16th and will send out another update at that time.

Other Ways for you to Help Stewards Restore Services in our Parks

• Support our Quilt drawing with a donation online. The drawing will take place at the Annual Volunteer Celebration on December 4, 2009.
  
  
• Support our Holiday Online Auction (see below)
  
  
• We are honored to have recently received another challenge grant from the Dean Witter Foundation for general support. The $20,000 award includes a $10,000 matching grant, which means we need your help to raise the $10,000 that will be matched by the Dean Witter Foundation dollar for dollar.

If you are able to donate now, before November 9th you will spare Stewards the expense of sending you a Year End Appeal letter.

Thanks for your continued support,

Michele Luna

Bid Wild for State Parks Holiday Online Auction

From November 13 to December 2, 2009, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods will be holding our Holiday online auction to raise much needed funds for education and stewardship volunteer programs in our State Parks.
 
Make a tax-deductible donation NOW.
We need auction items to add to our catalog.
 
We want items that will bring excitement and value to our auction:

• Unique or rare items or collectibles,
• Gently used items that you no longer need,
• Business or personal services,
• Vacation rentals,
• Private docent-led experiences,
• Photography, art, jewelry, wine, books,
• Tickets to sporting events, musical performances, theater
• Gift certificates

We would love your contributions today. Donors who provide an item valued at $250 or more will also be listed as a sponsor with a link to your website.

Click here to DONATE. If you prefer you can contact us and we will list your item for you. Just call our office at (707) 869-9177.

Be a Sponsor.
Click the link to the right or contact Michele Luna at mluna@mcn.org or 707-869-9177 to take advantage of promotional opportunities for your business or to pledge your individual support. As a Sponsor you will have a link from our auction home page to your website. 

Tell Your Friends.
Do you know someone who would be interested in supporting our cause? Please share the news of the online auction with your friends so they can be part of the excitement. Refer a Friend to our auction so they can get involved.

Thank you in advance for your continued support! We look forward to your item donation and online bids!

Upcoming EcoAdventures

Birding at Campbell Cove with Hollis and Jerry Bewley
Saturday, November 21, 2009, 9 am at Campbell Cove Parking Lot
near Bodega Head (Meeting location TBD)

Get acquainted with bay waterfowl & divers.  Possible sightings include buffleheads, scoters, scaups & cormorants, as well as multiple species of grebes, loons & gulls - maybe a kingfisher if we’re lucky.  Bring binoculars & dress in layers.  We’ll provide a couple of spotting scopes.  Will postpone until the following weekend if it’s raining. Limited to 20, $15 per person donation, Stewards members FREE. Register online.

Birds of Prey on the Kortum Trail with Hollis and Jerry Bewley
Saturday, December 19, 2009, 9 am, meet in Shell Beach Parking lot

We’re fortunate to have some “Species of Special Concern” hunting in our State Parks & they’re easy to spot once you know what to look for. Possible sightings: northern harriers, white-tailed kites, kestrels, red-tailed and migrant hawks. Bring binoculars, water and a snack. Dress in layers. Will raincheck if necessary.
Limited to 20, $15 per person donation, Stewards members FREE.Register online.

Whale Watch Orientation for New and Returning Docents

November 14, 2009, 9:00am
Bodega Bay Grange

Learn about one of nature's wondrous events,
the Pacific grey whale migration from
Alaska to the lagoons in Mexico.

Volunteer earn free District day-use passes for volunteering for 16 hours or more and a statewide pass for volunteering 200 hours or more.

Register Online for this and other
Docent and Community Education Seminars - Our new 2010 schedule is now up on our website. Don't miss this great opportunity to learn from those with expertise.

For more information contact Ruby Herrick at rherrick@mcn.org or (707) 869-9177 x1#

Donate,
Become a Member
Your support is needed now more then ever as we fight to keep our State Parks accessible year round to all of us who
love them so dearly.

Michele Luna, Executive Director
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods