by KYW's David Madden
There’s talk in Trenton, NJ about sparing state parks from the Governor Corzine budget ax come June. But two conservation groups are worried that the price to be paid may just be trading one set of problems for another.
Leaders from the governor on down have vowed to find the $4.5 million to keep a dozen targeted parks and recreation areas open.
But New Jersey Sierra Club Director Jeff Tittel fears a rumored administrative move of the parks to Agriculture department, which itself is on the potential chopping block, might open the door to privatization or corporate sponsorship. He’s got another idea:
"If we want to get donations from businesses or individuals, we can set up a parks foundation."
Or tap into one of several potential revenue streams, like parking fees or statewide park passes.
The Sierra Club and the Audubon Society have offered to sit down with administration officials, but haven’t heard back from the governor’s staff, yet.
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