Press Releases

News for Division of Boating and Waterways

Displaying 1 - 10 of 63 Press Releases

State Agencies Highlight New Measures to Combat Golden Mussels Following Detection at San Luis Reservoir

SACRAMENTO - The California Department of Water Resources (DWR), in coordination with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and California State Parks, is highlighting new measures to protect California’s water infrastructure and slow the spread of invasive golden mussels following a recent discovery of the species at San Luis Reservoir in Merced County.

Division of Boating and Waterways Offers Grants to Enhance Recreational Boating Safety Education

SACRAMENTO — California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting grant applications from organizations that teach on-the-water boating safety education to the public. Approximately $1.4 million in Aquatic Center Education Program grants is available to local public agencies, nonprofit organizations and colleges/universities operating within California. The deadline to apply is Friday, Oct. 24 at noon.

Join California’s Largest Annual Volunteer Event and First Ever “Trashure Hunt” During California Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept. 20

SACRAMENTO – Get ready to participate and make a difference during this year’s annual California Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, Sept. 20. From 9 a.m. to noon, more than 50 California state parks and the Division of Boating and Waterways will participate in the state’s largest annual volunteer event in coordination with the California Coastal Commission.

California State Parks Urges the Public to Boat Responsibly During Labor Day Weekend

SACRAMENTO — As Californians head outdoors to enjoy the final summer holiday weekend, California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is reminding recreational boaters and water enthusiasts to prioritize safety while on the water. With waterways busier during Labor Day weekend, taking simple precautions can help save lives and prevent accidents.

Division of Boating and Waterways Encourages Boaters to Boat Sober this Fourth of July Holiday Weekend

SACRAMENTO – California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is urging all boaters to boat sober this coming Fourth of July holiday weekend. DBW and local law enforcement agencies will be participating in Operation Dry Water from July 4-6, 2025, a nationwide initiative to reduce boating under the influence (BUI) and to promote safe boating practices.

Division of Boating and Waterways Now Accepting Grant Applications to Help Keep California’s Waterways Clean

SACRAMENTO – California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting grant applications for the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Education and Outreach Grant Program. A maximum of $360,000 of federal funding per targeted region is available to organizations for educating coastal and San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary recreational boaters about proper vessel sewage disposal and the use of pumpout facilities, and monitoring pumpout and dump stations.

Celebrate National Safe Boating Week May 17–23

SACRAMENTO —California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) invites all boating enthusiasts to observe National Safe Boating Week from May 17–23, 2025. This annual event emphasizes the importance of responsible boating practices and water safety awareness as Californians prepare for the summer boating season. This year also marks the full implementation of the California Boater Card requirement for all motorized vessel operators.

California’s Dockwalker Program Celebrates 25 Years: Join Free Training Sessions and Help Protect Waterways

SACRAMENTO – California State Parks,, the California Coastal Commission’s Boating Clean and Green Program, and The Bay Foundation invite the public to participate in California’s Dockwalker Program, now in its 25th year. Free virtual and in-person training sessions will be held from mid-March through May 2025. By joining the program and attending the training, participants provide a critical community service by sharing educational tools to promote clean boating and help reduce water quality impacts.

Division of Boating and Waterways Offers Grants for Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Programs

SACRAMENTO California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) today announced the availability of grant funding to help prevent the further spread of quagga and zebra mussels into California’s waterways. Funded by the California Mussel Fee Sticker (also known as the Quagga Sticker), the Quagga and Zebra (QZ) Mussel Infestation Prevention Grant Program expects to award up to $2 million across eligible applicants. Applications open Monday, March 10, and must be received by April 18, 2025, by 5 p.m. PDT.

Division of Boating and Waterways to Begin Annual Control Efforts for Aquatic Invasive Plants in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

SACRAMENTO – California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) announced today its 2025 control efforts for invasive aquatic plants in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its southern tributaries (Delta). Starting March 20, DBW will begin herbicide treatments on water hyacinth, South American spongeplant, Uruguay water primrose, alligator weed, Brazilian waterweed, curlyleaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, coontail, fanwort, and ribbon weed in the Delta. The treatment start date may change depending on weather conditions and plant growth/movement.