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So we could have Anna Ruby Falls, brought to you by super-absorbent Pampers

4:22 pm March 16, 2010, by jgalloway

Susanna Capelouto of Georgia Public Broadcasting has posted this:

The Department of Natural Resources is looking for corporate sponsors to keep Georgia’s state parks and historic sites open. The move comes as the department is getting huge budget cuts.

DNR is hiring a marketing company to find sponsors for events and infrastructure in the state owned parks. Officials say the names of parks at not up for grabs. Commissioner Chris Clark says it’s a creative move to fill a budget gap.

“We know who our customers are. We know that they’re not coming to our parks to be bombarded with ads,” he says. “Instead of charging them 15 dollars to park their car there every time they visit, they’re probably o.k. with a small sign saying this trail brought to you by REI.”

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40 comments Add your comment

Clay

March 16th, 2010
4:52 pm

I believe Ruby Falls is in Tennessee. Rock City, which is practically right next door, is in Georgia.

Dagnabbit

March 16th, 2010
5:12 pm

Think you are right. This startles some to find it true.

Jim Galloway

March 16th, 2010
5:17 pm

Gentlemen, gentlemen. Anna Ruby Falls is one of the prettiest sights in all of Georgia, and can be found near Helen and Unicoi State Park. Info can be found here:

http://georgiatrails.com/trails/annaruby.html

Dagnabbit

March 16th, 2010
5:17 pm

i believe that R/F would also be in Ga if the true boundry was established correctly.

Dagnabbit

March 16th, 2010
5:20 pm

Tnx for veritas Jim

Where's the rail?

March 16th, 2010
5:23 pm

Nothing like “escaping” to the great outdoors to see more advertising. REI sounds like a nice sponsor but what about Exxon-Mobil or some coal company? And I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone complaining about how much our state parks charge. If anything I’ve heard folks say they don’t charge enough. A day of parking in Atlanta or Savannah easily costs $15-20. No reason why they can’t charge that to visit our state parks.

tinhat

March 16th, 2010
6:31 pm

Jim – “Anna Ruby Falls is one of the prettiest sights in all of Georgia, and can be found near Helen and Unicoi State Park”

However, it is a federal property.

booger

March 16th, 2010
6:41 pm

So what’s wrong with Exxon Mobil as a sponsor. It’s an excellent company and we would be in a hell of a mess without our oil companies.

Rob Vinson

March 16th, 2010
6:45 pm

why are my posts deleted?

Poppy

March 16th, 2010
7:19 pm

Unicoi State Park is a state owned park according to the web site. It is one of the most beautiful places in Georgia. Anna Ruby Falls is definitely in Georgia and is inside Unicoi.

Whatdoiknow

March 16th, 2010
8:00 pm

If Georgia cannot take care of its property, sell it to someone who cares about it that can. Do we pay taxes to to take care of some wild ass far reaching inept government bureaucracy or to be good stewards of public lands?

Ron

March 16th, 2010
8:25 pm

I am ashamed of the fact I was dumb enough to vote for Sonny Perdue in 2002. While Georgia once was a leader in the southeast the past eight years under his administration have turned back all progress. He has found the unique ability to appoint the most incompetent management team this state has had since Reconstruction. And now it seems they are out to destroy our once great state parks system. Whichever canidate for our next Governor who pledges to replace all of Sonny’s political appointees has my vote!

gagirl

March 16th, 2010
8:29 pm

Ruby Falls is in TN… Anna Ruby Falls is a beautiful hidden treasure of this great state… GEORGIA =)

HappyCamper

March 16th, 2010
8:47 pm

If they have to increase the parking fee at the state parks they would probably end up closing them all. We camp at many of the Georgia parks and unfortunately the “honor boxes” for a mere $5 parking fee is for the most part ignored, and the funds aren’t available to pay a staffer to take entrance fees at the gate.

Teacher and park pass owner

March 16th, 2010
9:15 pm

Show you care about GA State Parks: http://www.gastateparks.org/net/content/page.aspx?s=147919.0.1.5

Ed

March 16th, 2010
9:28 pm

Tinhat you and Jim are both right. Part of the park is Federal and part is under Ga Rule, but it is leased out to a private company.

MUSTANG100

March 16th, 2010
9:34 pm

Ron, just wondering, were you also dumb enough to vote the ‘Democratic’ ticket last presidential election also?

n

March 17th, 2010
12:14 am

Chris Clark has been turned loose on the state parks (not to mention the rest of GA’s natural resources) by Gov. Perdue with a mandate to decimate them in the name of making them “self-supporting.”. Clear cutting huge swaths of forests, selling off corporate “branding,” rights, hounding and firing devoted DNR employees for not getting in lockstep with “the program,” etc.etc.
This guy is the Gordon Gekko of Georgia’s DNR. He cares not a whit about Natural Resources or state parks. They are simply not part of his value system. But he is interested in his resume and proving himself with the folks who despise government. He will not rest until he has finished laying seige to our state parks and earned yet another merit badge from the state Republican leadership. This time it will be for bartering away Georgia’s natural heritage and it’s gloriously beautiful parks–and the rightful inheritance of our children and grandchildren–in the name of making a few bucks off the ruined landscape, deconstructing and hobbling another government agency (DNR) and continuing the Republican campaign to privatize and sell off Georgia’s publicly-owned assets.

The Cynical White Boy

March 17th, 2010
12:49 am

The figurative strip-mining of state parks and historical sites should come as no big surprise from the office of Governor Go-Fish.

Too bad he doesn’t enjoy the mental escape of solitude offered by the state parks in the same way he wants to back up his pick up truck to a fishing ramp and lower his bass boat.

R.I.P. Georgia State Parks and Historical Sites.

georgiadawg70

March 17th, 2010
6:32 am

Don’t forget that Sonny is conspiring with Newt Gingrich and other greedy rich Republicans to poison the water, pollute the air and kill off all the babies and old ladies. If you look far enough you will find Halliburton in there somewhere.

You state employees make me sick. A good many of you are going to get what you have had coming to you for a long time and I can’t wait.

georgiadawg70

March 17th, 2010
6:34 am

By the way, I thought See Ruby Fall was a country song.

tinhat

March 17th, 2010
7:03 am

Poppy … not to put too fine a point on it, but visit this site to see who owns Anna Ruby – http://tiny.cc/qNuW8

It is adjacent to Unicoi, but not part of it.

Chris Clark

March 17th, 2010
7:28 am

As we have said repeatedly, we will not, nor are we legally able to, rename or offer corporate naming rights to any GA State Park or Historic Site. We have a long history of working with the public, private sector and with non-profits to support our parks and we are simply seeking help in identifying other companies that have a shared interest and would be supportive of our Park System. For example last fall Coke and Verizon sponsored our Free Park Day. In Dahlonega numerous businesses and the local leadership have helped us to keep the Gold Museum staffed. We have hundreds of Georgia companies and thousands of Georgia citizens that give to our parks through our Friends program. We want to keep our rates low enough for Georgia citizens and visitors, but we also want to keep our parks open. We encourage those folks that are concerned and supportive of their parks to join our Friends group at http://www.friendsofgastateparks.org/friends/

TAXMAN

March 17th, 2010
7:29 am

Come on folks, we’re not talking about turning the parks into retail or corporate function hubs, we are talking about keeping the parks maintained by using funds from corporate citizenship in our community by giving naming rights, just like the roadside sign that says, ROAD CLEANUP BY THE ABC CLUB OF WHEREVER.
Nobody complained about the naming of DISCOVERY MALL or the naming of the new Gwinnett Braves stadium.
What people are truly afraid of, is, with corporate sponsership comes IMAGE, and with that comes RULES and people complain about it’s inforcement, and they won’t be able to break their little rules by doing whatever they want. Go buy your own 50 acres and keep signs off it, and maintain it yourself. You will be happier.

Thomas Eagle

March 17th, 2010
7:54 am

What a state thinks of itself is how we treat our natural and historic treasures. The value of a waterfall, an undisturbed forest, peace and quiet, monuments of our past is priceless. I do not like the path we are taking with our state parks and historic sites. Woe to those who seek to destroy them for political power and the almighty dollar!

Lowell Franks

March 17th, 2010
8:15 am

Clay;;We are not talking about Ruby falls..don’t be so dumb..

Bill Burns

March 17th, 2010
9:07 am

To advertise on state property may be a good idea if it is done “tastefully.” If not, it shoulsd not happen. To have a park turned over to a “vendor” for operation is a mistake. It failed at Lake Lanier Islands and may not be successful at Stone Mountain Park. Ouer State Parks are for the enjoyment of our citizens and not designed to make money for anyone. be “money makers” for anyone.

Junior Samples

March 17th, 2010
9:48 am

You can see 7 states from Rock City

Capitol Hack

March 17th, 2010
10:02 am

This state is so cheap. Maybe Metro PCS can wrap the gold dome with a giant ad. But hey, if we’re going down this road, let’s find a sponsor to put our state patrol back in operation on a 24/7 basis, instead of having to close at night as they do now. Maybe some attorney ads on top of the GSP cars, like they have on taxis.

A True Patriot

March 17th, 2010
10:06 am

Folks, these parks are not the property of The State of Georgia or the United States Government…..they are owned by “we the people”……we own the State of Georgia and The United States of America, even tho Obama and the democrats say differently. Let’s start acting like this property is ours and put an end to this nonsense of corporate sponsorship. I propose a “State of Georgia Parks Card” like the US issues for National Parks…..:)

Base

March 17th, 2010
11:19 am

Welcome to Sonny’s Georgia Incorporated! Where everything is a profit center.

Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

March 17th, 2010
12:43 pm

As the principle support group for Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, we are keenly aware of the impact of the funding reductions on our treasures across the state. State parks and historic sites collectively represent the rich natural, cultural and historic legacy of Georgia in a way that is accessible to everyone.
As we have moved into the current economic situation, we have seen an overwhelming amount of support coming from communities and local businesses who recognize both the intrinsic and economic value of parks and historic sites and want to help ensure these sites remain open and in full operation. The move toward seeking additional sponsors from the private sector provides yet another funding source to help us preserve what is best about Georgia for our state, our communities and our children.

Not so fast

March 17th, 2010
1:33 pm

Who is the designated spokesman for the Friends’ Group? (above) Have they had a vote on this comment/statement? Methinks they may have some corporate bigwigs making statements on their behalf. I am a “Friend” but I do not agree that corporate branding is appropriate for public parks.

Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

March 17th, 2010
2:11 pm

Friends currently has about 14,000 members representing diverse views and opinions. I am Andy Fleming, Executive Director of Friends and while there are many details to be worked out regarding how sponsorships might work, we welcome the additional supporters of the park and the opportunity to help make things better for the system as a whole.

n

March 17th, 2010
2:21 pm

First you cripple and gut the parks, then you call in privateers to the rescue.
This has becoming a predictable pattern throughout state government for the past eight years.
Jekyll Island as one example.

You Asked

March 17th, 2010
5:46 pm

Georgia state parks are a deal and a half. Right now you have state employees working overtime and volunteering to cover for positions that can’t be filled because of budget cuts. They have already done amazing things on a limited budget and small fees. My family swims, fishes, camps and takes scenic drives all over our beautiful state at $3 a car load. The fishing liscense for two years with a trout stamp is only about $30 adn kids under 16 are free! No where else can you get that kind of entertainment and family activity. Heck I can’t even drive to the local strip mall and feed them Captain D’s for less.

Don’t punish the great state park workers or natural resources employees for any shortsightedness on the legislatures part. They do good work for small salaries because they love our parks and the people who visit them.

Misty09

March 17th, 2010
7:09 pm

I’d rather see a sign that reads “This Visitors Center sponsored by AT&T” than one that reads CLOSED.

sick n tired

March 17th, 2010
7:10 pm

Please spare me! Get real – our parks are getting cut left and right in the budget war. If you truly love your park Do Something instead of pointing your finger at someone else! What will YOU do to help?

Bob

March 18th, 2010
12:53 pm

Am I the only person shaking his head in amazement that people would rather take money out of the pockets of taxpayers to keep parks open than to allow an advertiser to put some signs up in the park? I mean, really. Many descriptions come to mind. Charitable ones include short-sighted, imbeciles, knee-jerk, unthinking partisans. This is what is wrong with so much of government and politics – the vocal (stupid) minority that wants to preserve some contrived idea of purity over solutions that actually work.

Friends of Who

March 21st, 2010
11:17 am

Other than Red Top, It would be interesting to know what other sites receive money and goods from Friends. Is there a list? Also, if everyone purchases a Family Friends pack and brings 6 people with them each time, won’t the sites loose admission fees and park pass fees they would otherwise have. I guess I am asking, I see where Friends supplies volunteer hours but where is all the money?