In 1997, ten Orange County environmental volunteers created Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks, also known as FHBP. Leaders from 10 different environmental organizations joined the board to organize a new consolidated approach that strengthened and coordinated the voice of parks, water, open space, and environmental education groups. The main event, which crystallized the concerns of FHBP board members was the reorganization of County government in 1996-1997 in the wake of the loss of funds through state reallocations and the County bankruptcy. The vision to form a countywide parks and open space advocacy and support group now became a mandate.