Matt Weiser, Sacramento Bee

A new scheme to save money at state parks means none of them will have to close completely, according to an announcement today by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The plan reduces ongoing maintenance and eliminates all major equipment purchases for the balance of the current fiscal year, saving $12.1 million. Another $2.1 million will be saved by opening some parks only on weekends and holidays, by closing physical areas in some parks, and by extending seasonal closures at some parks that are already closed for part of each year.

“This is fantastic news for all Californians,” the governor said in a statement.

No specifics were provided on which parks will see schedule reductions, or what maintenance projects will be put off.

For the complete story