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Save $70 on a California state parks annual pass this month

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Los Angeles Times Daily Travel & Deal blogger

The nonprofit California State Parks Foundation offers cool savings on an annual pass that allows entry to more than 200 parks. In light of ongoing budget struggles, the Department of Parks and Recreation raised the cost of an annual pass to $195 on Tuesday. Those who become a foundation member this month will receive a pass for the old rate of $125 and some extra goodies.

The deal: Not everyone may feel comfortable making a membership commitment to get this deal. It will appeal to frequent state park users who care about the fate of the state’s parklands and want a break on the cost of the pass.

The Frequent Visitor membership costs $125 and comes with the annual state park pass, 10% off camping reservations, a hiking book, a newsletter about parklands and more.

The foundation has played a key role in trying to save the 70 parks slated to close this summer because of budget cuts. (Sixteen have been taken off the list, and 19 others are in negotiations with partners to operate them). The group has about 130,000 members, and features videos and films about the potential park closures on its website.

When: The offer is good until June 1.

Tip: Here’s an event where you can learn more about the organization and its mission. The foundation is hosting a fundraising ParkFilm Fest on Saturday that features a “Pirates of the Caribbean” marathon: “Curse of the Black Pearl” at 11 a.m., “Dead Man’s Chest” at 2:30 p.m. and “At World’s End” at 7:15 p.m. Some of the actors in the films will be on hand (no, not Johnny Depp) at the screenings at Paramount Studios (5555 Melrose Blvd. in Los Angeles). Tickets cost $20 for each person per film. There are discounts for combination tickets too.

Contact: California State Parks Foundation, (415) 262-4400

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