STATE PARKS

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, January 18, 1992                   TAG: 9201200244
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-9   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short
STATE PARKS
ENVIRONMENTAL protection is not just about toxic wastes and acid rain. It's also about the natural beauty that graces Virginia from its mountains to its seashore, and preserving and protecting it as much as possible against tides of asphalt and cement.
So kudos for Gov. Wilder, who has signaled his support for proposals to set aside more land for parks in Virginia and also to provide better stewardship for existing state parks.
It's high time. Virginia has fallen to 47th among the 50 states in terms of acreage it's reserved as green space, for both people and wildlife to enjoy. It has not bought land for the state-park system in 20 years, though the state's population has grown substantially during that period. And it is dead last among the states in the percentage of its budget used to operate and maintain state parks. This is not right.
Wilder is expected to ask that several park projects be among those to be funded under a general-obligation bond issue, subject to voter approval. He has also endorsed the concept of a special non-reverting fund, to be called the Conservation and Recreation Fund, which will enable the state to acquire and protect more green space.
Parks and natural habitats are a shrewd financial investment during a recession. They're a valuable resource to attract tourists and economic development, as well as a key component of Virginia's cherished quality of life. It's wise of Wilder to call for a greater commitment to state parks.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB