SACRAMENTO, Calif.—California State Parks is encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to plan properly and recreate responsibly this Memorial Day weekend and summer as the state continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Californians are advised to stay local, continue to practice physical distance of six feet or more, avoid congregating with others outside of their immediate household and abide by the new visitor guidelines State Parks has implemented across the state park system to limit the risk of exposure to the virus in the outdoors.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California State Parks and the Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) remind water enthusiasts during National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22) how to responsibly recreate in California’s waterways this year during COVID-19. As State Parks and other park operators begin to increase access at parks and waterways in compliance with state and local public health ordinances, it is important for everyone to know how and where they can recreate, who they can go boating with, and how the use of life jackets continues to be life-saving.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks, the California Department Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Long Beach State University’s (CSULB) Shark Lab announced today that a white shark, commonly referred to as a great white shark or its scientific name of Carcharodon carcharias, fatally attacked the 26-year old male surfer on Saturday, May 9, at Manresa State Beach. 

California State Parks today responded to a shark attack incident at Manresa State Beach, one mile south of the main parking lot. At around 1:30 p.m., a 26-year old male was surfing when he was attacked by an unknown shark species. The victim was pronounced dead on scene. The next of kin was notified by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – With temperatures warming up across the state, California State Parks is reminding all Californians to ‘Stay Home, Save Lives’ as California continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) today announced its plans to control aquatic invasive species (AIS) in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its southern tributaries. Beginning on April 20, DBW will start herbicide treatments on floating aquatic vegetation (FAV) such as water hyacinth and alligatorweed, and submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) such as Egeria densa and curlyleaf pondweed. Treatment start dates may change depending on weather conditions and plant growth/ movement.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In preparation for one of the busiest weekends in spring, California State Parks is advising the public to stay home and save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of visiting parks and beaches, the department encourages all Californians who celebrate Passover and Easter to do so safely at home or join loved ones virtually. More than ever this weekend, staying home is critical to the safety of individuals, families, communities and all who take care of parks during this pandemic.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – With Governor Gavin Newsom’s stay-at home order and the critical need to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, California State Parks today announced additional temporary full closures of parks. Effective at sunset today in San Diego County, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and the following state beaches are closed until further notice: Cardiff, Carlsbad, San Elijo, Silver Strand, South Carlsbad and Torrey Pines. In Los Angeles County, the popular Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve (SNR) is also closed. A list of the closures can be found online at parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve. The list is dynamic and is updated as needed.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California State Parks today announced it is temporarily closing vehicle access at all 280 state parks to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks today announced it is temporarily closing vehicle access to 59 additional state parks and beaches to avoid dangerous visitation surges and help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). This brings the total number of state-operated parks and beaches closed to vehicle access to 98. A list of closures can be found online at www.parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.