A proposal to amend the State constitution to change how state and local parks are funded will be on the ballot.
Proposal 1 talks about trust funds and percentages in some detail. But, even if you do your homework, it’s confusing.
The proposal would guarantee royalties from gas and oil extraction on state land would go to two funds that support buying land and maintaining parks.
It would also tweak the funds’ spending priorities to set minimum amounts on park improvements.
Most environmental groups support Proposal 1. The Sierra Club does not. It’s concerned the proposal would shift money away from purchasing land for conservation. It says park upkeep should come from the state’s general fund budget.
There are also concerns about relying on fossil fuel extraction to pay for land preservation and upkeep. Critics say it could motivate state officials to lease more public lands for drilling.