Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s latest plan to reduce the state of California’s $24.3 billion budget deficit could mean the closure of some of the most popular Bay Area hiking locations. His proposal would eliminate the general fund contributions to 279 parks across the state over the next two years.

According to the recent SFGate.com article, the proposal would “cut $70 million of the $150 million the park system receives from the state’s general fund in fiscal year 2009-10. The remainder would be cut out in the 2010-11 budget.”

These general fund contributions help to pay park staff, maintenance personnel, rangers, and a wide variety of other positions. In addition to the layoffs of these employees, day use and camping fees for access to the parks would increase.

Among the parks that could face closure are Henry W. Coe State Park, Mount Tamalpais, China Camp, Mount Diablo, Angel Island, and Tomales Bay.

The California State Parks Foundation is taking action with the Save Our State Parks organization. If you are a California resident, contact your state legislator and voice your opinion!