• Volunteers a boost to parks
Response to editorial: “What We Think: Future of Reed Bingham Uncertain,” January 19, 2010
The editorial raises several important points. First, the future is uncertain for Reed Bingham and all other state parks and historic sites if state funding continues to decline. Last year's legislated 39 percent cut in state park funding has forced every site to reduce staffing, delay maintenance and repairs, and cut programs and services. Managers at every state park and historic site have been required to do more with less, and asked to improve community support and involvement to help offset the impact of the cuts.
Second, Reed Bingham is fortunate to have a group of dedicated supporters and volunteers, the Friends of Reed Bingham State Park, who have made significant contributions to the site. In fact, the Friends of Reed Bingham is one of the most effective of the 50 chapters that make up Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites. All Friends chapters are working hard alongside dedicated park staffs to maintain services and funding at their respective sites. For example, after the Dahlonega Gold Museum in north Georgia faced a significant reduction in operating hours, volunteers joined with local governments and chambers of commerce to raise funds to help the site resume normal operations. The Friends of Hard Labor Creek helped attract new guests to their site by working with local equestrians to add horse trails.
Near the coast, volunteers at Fort King George make historical programming possible. These are not isolated examples. All across the state, Friends chapters are helping Georgians come together to support their natural, cultural and historic treasures. We applaud the efforts of the Friends of Reed Bingham and volunteers in other Friends chapters around the state as they work to make the future of their sites and communities a little more certain.
The final important point is that Reed Bingham is truly “a vital aspect of the quality of life….” Reed Bingham is not just a great place to experience nature; it is also an important economic engine for the surrounding community. Last year, over 100,000 visitors to Reed Bingham spent almost $6.5 million in the community, thereby supporting an estimated 75 local jobs. Like Reed Bingham, most state parks and historic sites are located in economically challenged areas and are vital components of their local economies: In 2009, every $1 of state funds invested in the park system generated $33 in local economic impact.
Andy Fleming is Executive Director of Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites in Cartersville, Ga.
• Petition to keep Chet Powell
We all know what a devastation it will be to lose Chet Powell at Reed Bingham State Park. For those who want to help and speak up, but don't know how, can sign an online petition to get their voices heard: www.thepetitionsite.com
Go to the "Environment" tab and look for the "Keep Chet Powell at Reed Bingham" petition. We already have over 400 names at the writing of this letter. It only takes a few minutes, and anyone who signs can leave a personal message for Gov. Perdue and Commissioner Clark.
The people of South Georgia and North Florida need to let the governor and appointed commissioners know that we have a voice and opinion that matters!
Nikki York
Adel
•
Letters to the Editor
January 23, 2010
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