NEW STUDY: Network of 111 Nonprofit Organizations Provides Immense Value to California State Parks – the Largest and Most Diverse State Park System in The World – and their Visitors

February 27, 2023 – A recently released study shows that a vast network of more than 100 nonprofit organizations play an indisputably critical role in supporting California’s state parks.

The study, Creating Impact: A Study of Nonprofit Partnership in California State Parks, examines the contributions made by nonprofit, community-led organizations in the wake of the California’s fiscal crisis of 2011–2012 that threatened to close dozens of state park sites, and the efforts to bolster public-private partnerships to foster innovation and bring additional expertise, capacity and resources to the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) system.

California State Parks K-9 Rex Receives Body Armor Donation

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks Gold Fields District’s K-9 Rex has received a bullet and stab protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K-9 Rex’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”

Office of Historic Preservation Accepting Nominations for 2023 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Are there any unique or creative projects in your communities that are helping preserve or interpret California’s history? Nominations are currently being accepted by the California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) for the 2023 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards for projects, organizations, agencies or individuals demonstrating excellence in historic preservation in California. Nominations, which are being accepted until May 8, 2023, should demonstrate creative solutions to the preservation of the Golden State’s historic and/or prehistoric resources. The awards program seeks to recognize community-centered, often grassroots efforts going on throughout California to preserve our collective heritage. 

California State Parks Provides Seacliff State Beach Update

APTOS, Calif.— California State Parks today announced several key updates related to the cleanup and recovery at Seacliff State Beach, following recent historic storms that severely impacted communities across California. The damage to the public-serving infrastructure is extensive and has impacted the ability for State Parks to provide the standard recreational opportunities visitors have experienced in the past. The most extensive damage within the state beach is at the pier, campground, and seawall. State Parks is working with a contractor to eliminate or mitigate public safety issues, including the demolition of the pier. Crews will begin positioning equipment this week with work expected to commence next week.

2023 Spring Season May Bring Spectacular Wildflower Blooms—and Crowds—to State Parks

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – With spectacular wildflower blooms expected this spring that may attract thousands of people into the outdoors, California State Parks is providing visitors with tips on how to explore the blooms safely and responsibly. In the interest of safety and conservation, visitors are asked to understand the area they plan on visiting, check the weather, respect the landscapes and know their body limitations. Following these simple tips can positively increase the experience for all wildflower bloom enthusiasts.

California State Parks Announces $2.8 Million in Grants to Protect, Restore and Enhance Wildlife Habitats

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California State Parks today announced the selection of 12 local park projects that will receive grants totaling $2.8 million from the California Habitat Conservation Fund Grant Program. This competitive program, funded by the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990 (Proposition 117), aids local agencies for the protection, restoration and enhancement of wildlife habitat to maintain California’s quality of life.

California State Parks Announces $4.68 Million in Grant Recommendations for Local Recreational Trail Projects

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In support of expanding recreational opportunities to California’s communities, California State Parks has recommended $4.68 million in federal grant funding for seven local non-motorized trail projects. Cities such as Glendale, Napa and Riverside applied for the funding in hopes to improve the quality of life for their communities by enhancing access to the outdoors.

California State Parks Reminds Visitors to Use Free Pass Programs, Explore the Outdoors

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California Natural Resources Agency are reminding visitors about three new ways to explore the great outdoors for free. Fourth graders can obtain a free California State Park Adventure Pass to explore 19 select state parks for free for a full school year. All Californians can check out a California State Parks Library Pass by using their library cards to access more than 200 participating state park units. Families receiving California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKs), individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and income-eligible Californians 62 and over can apply for the Golden Bear Pass with their smartphone or other web-based device in just minutes and have access to more than 200 California state park units.

CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA GET BEARWISE

 New program makes it easier to live responsibly with bears 

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Jan. 30, 2023 – The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) are proud to support BearWise, the innovative North American program that helps people live more responsibly with bears. The BearWise website, www.bearwise.org, offers a wealth of scientifically sound information and practical advice. The state wildlife agencies will work closely with the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, California State Parks, and Nevada State Parks to incorporate the BearWise messaging as part of their united effort through the Tahoe Interagency Bear Team. This will ensure that residents and visitors across the Lake Tahoe Basin will receive th https://bearwise.org/

Spanish Boating Safety Course Now Available

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) announced today the availability of a boating safety course in Spanish. Like its English counterpart, the Curso de California para Navegación home study eBook is free and helps Californians be compliant with the mandatory boating education law that requires power boat operators to carry a California Boating Card to legally operate a motorized vessel on California or California-shared waterways. Applying for a card is simple. Boaters can start their application process by visiting CaliforniaBoaterCard.com or by calling (844) 421-8333. The card only costs $10 and lasts a lifetime.