SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A new audit finds that the state Department of Parks and Recreation does not know how much it costs to operate each of California's 270 state parks, beaches and recreational areas.
State Auditor Elaine Howle on Thursday reported her findings as part of an investigation into $54 million found hidden last summer in two special funds.
The money was misreported for more than a decade. Howle's audit shows it was a symptom of deep dysfunction in the department.
The audit says parks officials have no way of knowing how much the state would have saved by closing 70 parks last year because of budget cuts. Operating costs were estimated based on geographic regions using 10-year-old figures.
Parks Director Ruth Coleman resigned and a senior department official was fired last summer.
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