What it is

California residents will determine the future of state parks this November when they vote on Proposition 21, also known as the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act. Prop. 21 establishes an $18 annual vehicle license surcharge, and mandates all trust fund revenue be used solely to operate, maintain and repair state parks and to protect wildlife and natural resources. In exchange for the yearly fee, surcharged vehicles (commercial vehicles, trailers and mobile homes excluded) will be granted free admission to all state parks.

Pros/Cons

Proponents argue that Prop. 21 will keep state parks and beaches open, well maintained and safe. As a result, California will continue to see tremendous economic benefits.

Findings from a recent Sacramento State survey report that millions of tourists spend roughly $4.32 billion in park-related expenditures every year. Supporters say the proposition will protect the state’s cultural heritage and natural resources, and generate approximately $500 million in annual revenues. With a dedicated fund in place, General Fund money will be used entirely for other vital needs, such as education and health care.

Opponents have a different take, and believe the proposition is nothing more than a deceptive ploy to increase the “Car Tax,” that could cost residents $1 billion every two years, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Many believe California already has adequate funding for state parks in place, and fear ulterior motives in Sacramento will lead to abuse.

Supporters and opponents

More than 400 organizations support the measure, including The Nature Conservancy and Conservation Action Fund, which both provided major funding for the Yes on 21 campaign. “Three decades of underfunding our state parks now directly threatens the viability of our parks,” Mike Sweeney, executive director of The Nature Conservancy said. “California citizens put Prop. 21 on the ballot to deal with the immediate needs of parks and wildlife conservation and to address Sacramento’s failure to protect our parks.”

Opponents of Prop. 21 include the California Taxpayers’ Association, Americans for Prosperity and the California Board of Equalization. “As well intended as this measure may appear, Prop. 21 is nothing more than a $1 billion car tax every two years on Californians, while offering no guarantee that state parks will be repaired or kept open,” Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, said. “But even worse, voting for Prop. 21 only enables and encourages the Sacramento politicians to maintain their wasteful spending, while finding deceptive ways to increase our taxes.”

Student impact

Prop. 21 would mean that students who own cars would pay $18 more every year for registration fees, but would be able to visit state parks for free. State parks include local destinations such as Annadel State Park, Fort Ross and Sonoma Coast. Daytime parking is usually around the range of $10 so visiting a park three times would more than pay for the added fee.

Funding pro and con

Committees in support of Prop. 21 are funded by organizations and individuals. Notable contributions include a donation of more than $1 million from the Nature Conservancy and more than $600,000 from the Save the Redwoods League.

Funding for the No on 21 committee includes nearly $50,000 from the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Inc.