In 2010, California voters rejected Proposition 21, which would have added an $18 annual surcharge to vehicle license fees and raised about $500 million annually to fund state park and wildlife conservation programs. Now, without the funding, nearly a quarter of the entire system's sites - almost 70 parks - are in danger of being closed down. During difficult economic times, it's no surprise that public resources like state parks are given low priority, especially compared to more urgent services like public safety. But, a quick look at the rapid growth of California's park system over the last century - even during hard financial times - shows how unprecedented the current threat is.