Bye-bye vacation: California leads the pack in state park closures

This week, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recommended cutting $70 million from his state's parks budget. If this move passes, it would result in the closure of 220 of the state's 279 parks.

While Schwarzenegger's proposal is particularly severe, several other states are contemplating closures. For example, Washington state is closing 13 parks, Illinois temporarily closed 11, Arizona may close eight, and Florida may close 19. Even among those states that will manage to keep their parks open this year, many will be hiring fewer employees, staying open for fewer hours, increasing charges, and offering reduced attractions.