SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) is pleased to announce the five recipients of the 2022 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards. Each of the projects represents exemplary achievements on behalf of preserving California’s richly diverse heritage. This year’s award recipients range from the rehabilitation of a historic resource to preserve and tell the story of what is considered the “Ellis Island of the West,” to a podcast that advances the work and mission of historic preservation.

One day after California State Parks closed Mattole Road in Humboldt Redwoods State Park due to storm damage and the risk of a potential landslide, the department is reminding the public to stay away from the area and releasing new photos of the buckled road.

California State Parks invites the public to commemorate the 175thanniversary of James Marshall’s discovery of gold at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (SHP) this Saturday, January 21 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Gold Discovery Day, which was inaugurated in Coloma in 1948 on the centennial of the discovery, will include activities and living history demonstrations throughout the park. 

WEOTT, Calif.— California State Parks today closed Mattole Road in Humboldt Redwoods State Park until further notice due to the recent storm damage and the risk for a potential landslide. The closure is located 1.5 miles west of the juncture with Highway 101. Mattole Road runs west from the highway at the confluence of the south fork and main stem of the Eel River, then traverses through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. 

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—The California State Historical Resources Commission (Commission) will consider on Friday, January 20, six nominations for federal historic designation and one nomination for state historic designation.

California State Parks urges visitors to exercise extreme caution while enjoying Lake Natoma, a subunit of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, over the next several days. Significant water releases are expected from both Folsom and Nimbus Dams as the next storms approach the Sacramento area. As releases at Folsom Dam increase, water levels may raise rapidly resulting in strong currents that are unsafe for recreational activities on or around the lake shore. The strong currents may also prompt park officials to close parts of the lake starting Friday, December 30, and continuing until the water and currents recede.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California State Parks’ Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division invites entities that provide off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation opportunities to a two-day grant workshop in Bakersfield on January 9-10. In-person and virtual opportunities will be available. Participants will be informed on the various motorized grants available and how to apply for them.

California State Parks today announced Big Basin Redwoods State Park will reopen an additional four miles of roads and trails effective this Friday, December 23.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The California State Park and Recreation Commission (SPRC) invites Californians to recognize and celebrate individuals who have demonstrated leadership and contributed significantly towards a healthier California by helping to preserve the state’s natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. The 2023 nomination period for the Golden Bear Award program is open now until June 30, 2023.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks is inviting Californians to kick-start the new year in a healthy way by getting some fresh air and enjoying the outdoors with an annual First Day Hike. More than 50 state parks will be participating with over 50 guided hikes taking place across the state. Whether walking among giant sequoias or along the state’s coastal beaches or enjoying some wildlife viewing—California has some of the most unique and iconic parks in the country for everyone to explore.