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As part of our bicentennial celebration, we are lobbying to get Fort Ross open for our summer season. Please help us communicate the importance of this historic and cultural site. We've provided a sample letter, but of course revise this as you wish, telling your own story in a respectiful tone. Please make sure to send us a copy -- email is fine -- and do include your full name and address. Thank you for helping keep Fort Ross open to celebrate its bicentennial.
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Dear Friend,
This year, the eyes of the world are on Fort Ross, the California state historic park on the Sonoma coast that was settled by Russian traders exactly 200 years ago. But as visitors & dignitaries from the United States and around the world prepare to flock to Fort Ross to mark its bicentennial, there's a good chance they will find the gates locked and the visitor center closed: due to budget cuts, Fort Ross is open only three days a week, and its hours could be further reduced when the July fiscal year begins.
Ever since its founding by Russian traders in 1812, Fort Ross has been a unique part of California's history and environment. And this year, a remarkable series of international cultural events will bring native Americans, Californians, Alaskans and Russians to Fort Ross -- but only if the State of California keeps the gate open.
We all know that California's budget crisis has led to cuts in many vital programs. Our state parks have been among the hardest hit. But to cut back opening hours for Fort Ross now -- in this Bicentennial year -- would be disservice to our many supporters and an embarrassment to our state and our country. The sense of pride in this place is just too great to compromise during this remarkable year.
Please keep Fort Ross open from June through September, 2012.
Thank you.