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There are many in the government who consider Governor Schwarzenegger's budget cuts to be extreme and absurd.  His budget proposal, while an atrocity. is nevertheless little more than a rough first draft.  We still can effect change on this budget. It is not a done deal. 
 
Letters are needed to be sent by all citizens concerned with the preservation of Armstrong Woods State Park, emphasizing its value not only as an important environmental, recreational, and historical location, but its key role in the education of our youth. What is now important is for as many as possible to send letters and make telephone calls to representatives.  (Remember, telephone calls to representatives are logged.)  This is necessary because even though your representatives may be in full agreement that the budget cuts are absurd, that does NOT mean they do not need to hear directly from their constituents.  That's a common mistake.  Legislators -- no matter what -- need to have letters and phone calls (letters, however make a stronger statement).  It's the ammunition needed when the time comes to vote.  Representatives holding hundreds of letters give opportunity for referral by saying, "here are all my constituents who took the time to write to me to let me know they do not want Armstrong Redwood State Reserve closed".  The message is far more powerful message.

Include information about the value of school field trips to Armstrong Woods.  Anything about education, how the park is used to help students (and everyone) understand the importance of preserving and caring for this vital part of our planet.  Schools are also taking a huge blow in this budget.  If it can be established that closing Armstrong would be a double whammy for them, that will be powerful.  Talk about family trips, meaningful events (weddings, graduations, etc), how Armstrong Redwood Park is an integral and meaningful part of the north coast community -- all of that will create a strong message and an important one for the Legislature to hear.
 
For Armstrong and Austin Creek, the most important legislators to get your letters are Assemblywoman Patty Berg and Senator Pat Wiggins since they are in their districts.  Writing to Assemblyman Huffman and Senator Migden is a good idea as well.  There are also parks in their districts scheduled for closure -- Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park & Tomales Bay State Park. Having them hear about Armstrong won't hurt either.  Adding your letters to the process NOW will bring more citizen voice that will strongly supplement the budget vote.

NOTE:  In addition, Jared Huffman has suggested letters be sent to Budget Subcommittee for Resources: Ira Ruskin (Budget Subcommittee #3)