This post was written by Angie Glaser, 2012 Project Specialist.
On October 23, State Assemblymember Kristin Olsen hosted a Parks Appreciation Night celebrating organizations in her district that helped keep state parks from closing.
The Mono Lake Committee and the Bodie Foundation were recognized for their work in keeping the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve open, along with supporters of Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and the California State Mining & Mineral Museum. All three state parks were slated to close due to severe budget cuts, but overwhelming public interest and support helped keep them open.
Along with public support, the involvement of legislators has been an important component in removing state parks from the closure list. Assemblymember Olsen has been a key ally of Mono Lake and state parks—she even paid a visit last spring to experience the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve firsthand from a canoe. After her visit, she voiced support for the park and was a recipient of thousands of letters opposing its closure. The Committee extends a huge thank-you to Kristin Olsen for her continued dedication and support for our precious public lands.
Unfortunately, due to snow and mountain road closures, Committee staff weren’t able to attend the Parks Appreciation event that took place in Sonora. Robert Hanna, great-great grandson of John Muir and state park advocate, generously spoke on behalf of the Committee in addition to delivering an address about the importance of protecting parks for future generations. About the solidarity witnessed in the continuing fight to save Mono Lake’s state park, Robert said, “Everyone came to the table regardless of background and political belief. That is the power of parks, and that is what they bring out in people.”
Preserving Mono Lake for future generations has been an ongoing task with no shortage of challenges. Thank you to Kristin Olsen, Robert Hanna, and the thousands of Mono Lake advocates around the globe who repeatedly come together to give a voice to one of nature’s irreplaceable wonders.