The Arizona State Parks Board was created in 1957 as a government agency with the purposes and objectives to include acquiring, preserving and maintaining areas of natural features, scenic beauty, and historic and scientific significance, pleasure recreation, and health of Arizona’s people.

Arizona State Parks' mission is to preserve Arizona’s most precious resources while producing revenues for the State from more than two million annual guests. Visitors from all over the world enjoy Arizona State Parks’ 30 natural and cultural sites.

This report lists the dangers threatening Arizona's 31 state parks, particularly in light of possible state trust land reform, continuing population growth and budget cuts. It also offers possible solutions to the funding crisis, including potential revenue options to provide stable, sustainable funding for Arizona’s state parks.