California State Parks today announced the addition of 28 new peace officers that will “Live the Parks Life” as rangers and lifeguards in the nation’s largest state park system. Yesterday, family members, friends and department staff applauded the class of cadets as they received their badges. As peace officers, they will serve, protect and educate visitors to California’s 280 state parks, while protecting the state’s most significant natural and cultural resources.

The Division of Boating and Waterways is now accepting applications through July 31, 2019 from public and private marina owners for Federal Boating Infrastructure Grants (BIG). For 2020, a total of $14 million is available for BIG projects nationally. 

California State Parks’ Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division and the National Youth Project Using Minibikes (NYPUM) today announced a unique partnership to provide mentoring and education for urban youth through off-highway motorcycle recreation. Using the trail bike in the outdoors, NYPUM captures a young person’s imagination, enthusiasm and harnesses it to promote positive change and growth. 

Starting Wednesday, June 12, California State Parks will temporarily close the south parking lot to day-use parking at South Yuba River State Park while the historic Bridgeport Covered Bridge is renovated. Originally built in 1862, the bridge was closed to public access after a timber survey in September 2011 revealed significant structural damage. Thanks to the support of the Nevada County community, the Save our Bridge Campaign Committee, and the Legislature, the $6.9 million restoration project, funded with a combination of state and federal funds, is now underway to make the bridge safe again for pedestrian access. Construction is expected to be completed by April 2020.

Memorial Day weekend kicks off California’s busiest season for outdoor recreation. California State Parks encourages outdoor enthusiasts to recreate safely and responsibly this summer season. It is important for visitors to plan ahead and learn about the parks that they are visiting in order to minimize any accidents. Whether you plan on biking, hiking, surfing, horseback riding, diving, swimming, recreating on a boat or off-highway vehicle (OHV), or simply enjoying time with friends and family in the outdoors, learning about the park before your visit is crucial. This is especially important this year, due to the large amounts of snow and rain California has received. Rivers are currently running dangerously cold and fast—even experienced swimmers are advised not to go into rivers.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California State Parks is extending its application deadline for the 2020 State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Cadet Academy for two weeks to allow more candidates time to apply. All applicants must submit an application by Monday, June 17, 2019, to be considered for the Cadet Academy. 

California StateParksinvites the public to discover the wonders of Mount Diablo State Park on Saturday, June 1, during Mount Diablo Discovery Day. The event takes place at the Mount Diablo Lower Summit Parking Lot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

With the official kickoff of the boating season approaching this coming Memorial Day weekend, the Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is reminding water enthusiasts to keep themselves and their loved ones safe during National Safe Boating Week and throughout the year. DBW advises boaters to always check the water conditions­­––whether it’s the California coast or inland rivers and lakes––and their safety equipment, and always wear a life jacket.

Lake Tahoe natural resource and law enforcement agencies remind residents and visitors to practice proper food storage and trash disposal at all times while in bear country. Intentional or unintentional feeding of bears can result in unwanted bear behaviors, increased human-bear conflicts, and public safety issues, as well as fines and possible jail time for violators. Each year law enforcement and state wildlife officers respond to hundreds of calls in which bears may pose a public safety threat or are damaging property. In some cases, the bear must be euthanized. Become part of the solution and help us Keep Tahoe Bears Wild!    

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —California State Parks today announced recommendations to the National Park Service (NPS) for $11.3 million in funding for seven local park projects under the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program.