Hey, that's my park!

[sgtiger]

That's really sad. Having spent my childhood years in the San Jose/ Santa Clara area, we used go to the beautiful parks and beaches there often. I have very fond memories of the area and I think it's terrible that others may not be able to enjoy them. But I have no answers either.

As for finding volunteers, it may be possible. The Oregon States Parks Dept. has a program that lets people camp out in a park for the season. The volunteers are responsible for basic things like cleaning toilets, picking-up rubbish, reminding park users about the park regulations, etc. They can call in the park rangers or police if there are more serious issues. It's popular with retirees and people who for whatever reason do not work that time of year.

CC - They post signs and ticket violators, but it's impossible to keep people away entirely.

[shootingstar]

Don't know if there is a volunteer program for our provincial parks.. we do have many parks some of which are amazingly beautiful. Not all have same facilties.

I worked not far from a provincial park..near the base of a mountain nearby. Maybe one day we'll get there..amongst so many other natural places to see within a 100 kms. radius from home. Going to a local 'park' in Greater Vancouver area is not necessarily same experience as going to a local park in any southern Ontario city. Here, in some 'local' parks you need real hiking boots.

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/exp...s/golden_ears/

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/fee...ml#campsitefee

Then some municipal parks can be natural gems in our area. One of our famed parks, Stanley Park in downtown Vancouver, was partially shut down for several months due to danger of fallen old growth trees plus retaining wall damage by the ocean due to a windstorm. It caused a real awareness in terms of "open access" to enjoy the park when (municipal) govn't had to shut off road, walking and cycling access. Made national news. Made us locals realize not to take what we have at home for granted.