Would Be Good If They Could Make Up Their Minds

ARIZONA STATE PARKS

For Immediate Release

Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational
resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partners.
Information: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, or
Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997 email pio at azstateparks.gov

ARIZONA'S STATE PARKS BACK OPEN TODAY
STATE PARKS AVAILABLE FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAYS

(Phoenix, AZ -- July 1, 2009 - 9:00 AM) - Campers will be the happiest people in the state today to hear that the Arizona State Parks department are re-opening State Parks immediately. Because state employees were authorized to report to work this morning, all the park rangers will take down closed park signs at the gates to the State Parks and the public is welcome to come and enjoy the great outdoors.

"Nobody is happier than we are to welcome guests back into the parks and to get ready for our biggest week of the year, the Fourth of July holidays," said Executive Director Renee Bahl. "During this difficult economic time it is critical that we continue to offer park opportunities for our residents and visitors. These rural communities rely on tourism to keep their restaurants, gas and retail businesses vibrant. Since the 30 State Parks generate $266 million in economic impact for the rural communities, the parks now are one of the last big revenue generators for outlying businesses who then contribute to the state budget."

For more information about the 30 State Parks, other hiking opportunities such as hiking all the 550 State Trails, off-highway vehicle trails and other outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities in Arizona, visit the website at AZStateParks.com or call (602) 542-4174.

Yesterday's E-mail Announcement Below

From: "Ellen Bilbrey"
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 4:37 PM
Subject: Two State Parks Will Be Open 28 Other Parks Close Midnight Due to
Budget Impasse

ARIZONA STATE PARKS
For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational
resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partners.
Information: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997 email pio at azstateparks.gov ***********

TWO STATE PARKS WILL BE OPEN
28 OTHER PARKS CLOSE MIDNIGHT DUE TO BUDGET IMPASSE

(Phoenix, AZ -- 4:20 PM - June 30, 2009) - The Arizona State Parks department will begin to ask campers to leave 13 State Parks' campgrounds at 4:00 PM today in order to close down the parks before the midnight deadline for closing all the State Parks. Parks will be closed and not reopen until the department has operating authority.

In order to reduce the economic impact for two rural communities, the Arizona State Parks department staff have signed special use applications with the City of Show Low and the City of Lake Havasu. These agreements would allow each City to operate, monitor, maintain and control the parks. Show Low's Fool Hollow Lake State Recreation Area and Lake Havasu State Park (Windsor Beach) will operate under these special use agreements through July 5th or will end when the State Parks' budget is authorized.

These permits would include the legal and safe parking of all visitors, use and function of the launch ramps, access and maintenance of the restroom facilities, trash pickup, emergency medical response and public safety. The agreements begin at midnight on June 30 until July 5th.

If there is no operating budget by July 1, 2009, Kartchner Caverns State Park will be closed and cave tours will be cancelled, rescheduled or refunded.

For more information about the 30 State Parks, other hiking opportunities such as hiking all the 550 State Trails, off-highway vehicle trails and other outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities in Arizona, visit the website at azstateparks.com or call (602) 542-4174.

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