Popular Delta State Park Could Be Sunk By Budget Cuts

RIO VISTA (CBS13) - This Memorial Day could have been the last time thousands of people will soak up the sun in some state parks, including the popular Brannan Island in the Delta.

The boat ramps make that state park stand out. People enjoying the holiday weekend on the Delta say they will have nowhere to go if the state closes the park.

For many, Brannan is a jewel of the Delta.

Hundreds flocked to the area Monday for what could be a final hurrah this Memorial Day weekend.

If state budget cuts move forward , this will be the last major holiday for water lovers to enjoy Brannan Island before its July 1 scheduled closure.

"They're getting us out of here and threatening us with tickets," said park visitor Jed Brown. "They really cracked down and the services have gone down."

Partial closures already in effect forced campers to pack up before noon Monday. The visitor center and other attractions are closed because of funding issues.

"If they cut this, what are people going to do?" Brown wondered. "Not everybody can buy $5 or $10 million homes on the water here."

The 10-lane boat launch ramp attracts people from all over. A father and son make the trip from Sacramento several times a year for fishing and breathtaking wildlife views.

"It would be sad," Kurt Strauss said. "It's a popular area. There's great fishing and we enjoy using it."

The proposed closure could crush small businesses in Rio Vista.

Haps Bait Shop workers say Brannan Island campers and boaters account for 70 percent of business.

"Without the parks that bring the people to keep these places going we'll have to move," the shop's Amber Gomes said. "I don't want to move. This is our home"

Brannan Island is one of 70 state parks on the chopping block because of budget issues. But lawmakers recently introduced a bill that would help save parks with the help of taxpayers.

There are other small beaches and marinas in the area but nothing like the 140 campsites located at Brannan Island.