Office of Historic Preservation, Grants

Historic Preservation Programs in Four California Cities Receive $160,000 in Federal Grants

California’s Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) announced today the selection of four cities to receive $160,000 in federal grants to assist local historic preservation programs. The cities of Benicia, Los Angeles, Riverside, and the city and county of San Francisco will receive funding from the 2017-2018 Certified Local Government Grant Program (CLG).

Angel Island SP, Public Meetings

California State Parks Seeks Public Input on the Land-Based Concessions at Angel Island State Park

UPDATED: California State Parks will hold a public meeting on the future of the land-based concessions located at Angel Island State Park on Thursday, Aug. 31 in Corte Madera. The meeting will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Corte Madera Community Center, 498 Tamalpais Drive. 

California Park Projects Receive $1.1M in Federal Grants to Expand Outdoor Play Opportunities in Urban Communities

Last month, the U.S. Department of Interior and the National Park Service announced the selection of two Bay Area park projects to receive $1.1 million in funding from the Outdoor Leadership Recreation Legacy Partnership Program.

California State Parks

California State Parks Provides Tips on New Reservation System: ReserveCalifornia™ Goes Live August 1

California State Parks is offering the public tips on how to access the Golden State’s new reservation system - ReserveCalifornia™. Starting next Tuesday, August 1, visitors to California’s state parks will have a new platform for booking camping and lodging sites, and tours. Using the new system will be easy to plan adventures within state parks, since it is similar to booking hotels, airline tickets and other comparable services. 

California State Historical Resources Commission To Consider 12 Properties for Action

The California State Historical Resources Commission (Commission) will consider 12 nominations for federal historic designation next Friday, July 28.

2017 Boating Infrastructure Grant Available for Marina Operators

Public and private marina owners can now apply for a Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) through California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW). The deadline to submit applications to DBW is Aug. 1, 2017. BIG is a competitive program open to both publicly and privately owned marinas to renovate or construct visitor docks, restrooms, gangways and dockside utility hook-ups for recreational boats 26 feet or greater in length. 

News Release

State Parks Makes It Easier to Reserve Camping and Lodging Sites with a New Rolling Window Reservation Service

The California Department of Parks and Recreation announced today that beginning Aug. 1, 2017 the reservation system will move from a block or on-sale day reservation period to a rolling window. Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.

Safety Tips

California State Parks Warns of Drowning Risks Before Fourth of July Holiday Weekend

With the long holiday weekend upon us, California State Parks is alerting water enthusiasts to take life-saving precautions for themselves and their loved ones. Drowning is the fifth leading cause of accidental death in the United States. About 10 people die from unintentional drowning every day, but it can easily be prevented by educating children and adults about water safety and lifesaving techniques.

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial SP, Safety Tips

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Anticipating Record Crowds This Summer: Visitors Should Plan Accordingly to Avoid Peak Hours

California State Parks is experiencing record crowds at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. Located northeast of Redding, the state park has had a significant increase in day-use attendance in the last several years. The park’s main attraction, a beautiful 129-foot waterfall, is drawing visitors from all over the world. Popularity and high visitation can mean full parking lots, congested roads, busy trails, long lines and wait times for park facilities. To enhance your visiting experience, California State Parks recommends...

Boat California, Division of Boating and Waterways

California Law Enforcement Steps Up Efforts to Reduce Buzzed Boating

More than 30 marine law enforcement entities across California will be out in force June 30 - July 2, looking for drunken/impaired recreational boaters. This three-day increased enforcement, known as Operation Dry Water, is a boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign carried out throughout the United States around Fourth of July, a holiday unfortunately known for drinking and boating, and deadly accidents. 

Pfeiffer Big Sur SP, Safety Tips

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to Reopen Campground

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park will reopen to the public next Saturday, July 1, after an 11-month closure due to the Soberanes Fire and winter storms. 

Division of Boating and Waterways

Recreational Boaters Encouraged to Boat Clean and Green

With several new tools to help prevent waterway pollution, California’s Boating Clean and Green Program encourages recreational boaters to boat clean and green. 

Grants

DPR Awards $16 Million in Grants for Local Park Projects

The California Department of Parks and Recreation today announced the selection of 25 local park projects that will receive grants totaling $16 million from the California Youth Soccer and Recreation Development Program. This one-time competitive grant program provides funds for new youth soccer, baseball, softball and basketball recreation opportunities in heavily populated, low–income urban areas with a high-youth-crime and unemployment rate.  

Events/Celebrations

DPR Graduates 20 Ranger and Lifeguard Cadets

The California Department of Parks and Recreation graduated 20 cadets yesterday, after they completed a nearly eight-month long training program. An audience of family members, friends and DPR staff applauded as the class of cadets received their badges to officially make them rangers and lifeguards. 

Boat California, Division of Boating and Waterways

Managing Boat Sewage the Environmental Way: There is an App for that!

California’s recreational boaters in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Southern California now have a new digital tool to aid in the proper disposal of boat sewage. The “Pumpout Nav” app is designed to help boaters locate the closest sewage pumpout station for their vessels. Using the mobile device’s location, the app displays the pumpout stations closest to the boater, their operational status, as well as the cost, hours and location within the marina. The new app is free and available for download from both the Android Play and iOS Apple stores.

Grants

DPR Announces $2.6 Million for Local Park Projects

The California Department of Parks and Recreation today announced selections for $2.6M in funding for 19 local park projects under the Habitat Conservation Fund Program. The grants assist cities, counties and districts with projects such as protection of various plant and animal species, acquisition and development of wildlife corridors and trails, and nature interpretation programs to bring urban residents into park and wildlife areas. 

DPR Improves Distinguished Veteran and Disabled Discount Pass Programs

The California Department of Parks and Recreation is modernizing the way it manages the Distinguished Veteran and Disabled Discount pass programs. Starting this month, June 15, the department will be issuing new credit card design passes for current veteran and disabled pass holders as part of its transition to California’s new reservation system: ReserveCalifornia™. These individuals will need to visit one of 48 designated state park locations to work with department staff to create a new online profile and exchange their current pass for the new credit card design pass.  

It is Official! the Railroad Museum is Now Recognized as a Smithsonian Affiliate

California State Parks and the California State Railroad Museum & Foundation are proud to announce the California State Railroad Museum is now officially recognized as a Smithsonian Affiliate.

Agencies ask the public to practice proper food storage and trash disposal in bear country

Lake Tahoe agencies would like to take this opportunity to remind residents and visitors to practice proper food storage and trash disposal when living in or visiting bear country.

State Indian Museum SHP, Events/Celebrations

State Indian Museum Presents 40th Annual “Gathering of Honored Elders” Event this Saturday

The California Department of Parks and Recreation is proud to honor and celebrate California’s Native Elders at the 40th Annual “Gathering of Honored Elders” this Saturday, June 3, at the State Indian Museum

Office of Historic Preservation

Grant Awarded to Document California’s Asian American and Pacific Islander History

The California Office of Historic Preservation is honored to be the recipient of an Underrepresented Community Grant from the National Park Service.

Awards

State of California Honors State Parks Lifeguard with Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor Award

The State of California today honored California State Lifeguard Christopher Connolly of Ventura with the Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor Award for his act of heroism, during a ceremony at the California Highway Patrol Academy in West Sacramento. The Medal of Valor is the highest honor the state can give its employees.

Transformation

DPR Releases Final Transformation Progress Report: Two-Year Transformation Effort Renews California’s State Park System

The California Department of Parks and Recreation today released the Final Transformation Progress Report. This report summarizes the accomplishments and foundational work the department completed over a two-year period to better serve California’s diverse population and create a more inviting, relevant state park system. Such efforts include strengthening relationships with partners and local communities, streamlining payment processes• and improving access for all Californians. Dubbed “Transformation,” this important process represents the department’s commitment to improving California’s state park system as well as the many recreational programs supported by the DPR. 

Boat California, Division of Boating and Waterways, Safety Tips

DBW Provides Survival Guide for the 2017 Summer Season

The Division of Boating and Waterways urges recreational boaters and water enthusiasts to take the necessary precautions this summer, starting with life jacket wear, to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. This summer season begins with some of the highest water levels and coldest water not seen or felt in many years. Swift and cold water can create treacherous conditions for everyone, including experienced swimmers. 

Division of Boating and Waterways

Historic Snowpack Means Higher and Colder Water Flows, Warns PG&E and Division of Boating and Waterways

California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) warn water enthusiasts of colder and higher river stream flows this spring and summer. 

California State Historical Resources Commission To Consider 15 Properties for Action

The California State Historical Resources Commission (Commission) will consider 14 nominations for federal historic designation and one nomination for state designation Wednesday, May 10. The Commission meeting will be held at 9 a.m. in the Council Chamber at Pasadena City Hall, located at 100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S249, Pasadena.

Humboldt Redwoods SP

California State Parks Seeks Public Input on a Road and Trail Management Plan for Humboldt Redwoods State Park

California State Parks will hold an open house meeting to solicit comments on a draft road and trail management plan (RTMP) for Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The RTMP describes the existing roads and trails of the state park and provides specific direction for management and operations in the future. The goal of the plan is to enhance recreational trail opportunities, while protecting the park’s cultural and natural resources. 

Anza-Borrego Desert SP, California State Parks

Thousands Visit California State Parks for Wildflower Season

California Department of Parks and Recreation encourages visitors exploring state parks during the wildflower season to properly plan and prepare for their trips.

California State Parks, Transformation

New Reservation System Coming to California State Parks This Summer

Starting this August, Californians will make their state parks camping and tour reservations through a new, faster, easier to use reservation system that features more open access to data.

Anza-Borrego Desert SP

Body Recovery at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

California State Parks, California Highway Patrol and the San Diego Sheriff’s Office recovered the body of an unidentified male near Indian Head Peak in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Morro Bay State Park Closures

Recent storm activity has prompted California State Parks to temporarily close some areas of Morro Bay State Park for public safety reasons.

California State Parks Announces Application Deadline for the Outdoor Environmental Education Facilities Grant Program

California State Parks’ Office of Grants and Local Services announced that it is accepting applications for the Outdoor Environmental Education Facilities Grant Program.

California State Parks Partially Opens Lake Oroville SRA

Effective 8 a.m. this Thursday, February 23, Lake Oroville State Recreation Area partially reopens.

Division of Boating and Waterways

CORRECTED VERSION: DBW Begins Herbicide Treatment in the Delta for Water Hyacinth and Egeria densa

The Division of Boating and Waterways will begin herbicide treatment of water hyacinth and Egeria densa on March 1 in various areas of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The division simultaneously will be treating the South American spongeplant, Uruguay water primrose, and Curlyleaf pondweed. Mechanical harvesting will continue to be used to control water hyacinth, spongeplant and water primrose infested areas as needed. 

Division of Boating and Waterways

DBW Begins Herbicide Treatment in the Delta for Water Hyacinth and Egeria densa

California Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) will begin herbicide treatment of South American spongeplant (Limnobium laevigatum), Uruguay water primrose (Ludwigia hexapetala), water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), curlyleaf pondweed and Brazilian waterweed (Egeria densa) this Wednesday, March 1, in various areas of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. DBW will concurrently be using mechanical harvesting to control spongeplant, water hyacinth, and water primrose infested areas as needed.

Lake Oroville SRA

California State Parks Closes Lake Oroville SRA until Further Notice as Emergency Spillway is Evaluated

Due to the on-going flood management emergency at Oroville Dam, California State Parks has closed Lake Oroville State Recreation Area to all uses until further notice.

Division of Boating and Waterways, Boat California

State Offers Educational Opportunities for the Public and Boating Facility Operators to Help Keep California’s Waterways Clean

California’s Boating Clean and Green Program and its partners are offering free volunteer opportunities, workshops and seminars on ways to help keep California’s waterways clean. Motivated individuals with a willingness to learn and an ability to convey important environmental messages are encouraged to participate. Space is limited; pre-registration is required for all opportunities.

California State Historical Resources Commission to Consider 10 Properties for Action

The California State Historical Resources Commission (Commission) will consider 10 nominations for federal historic designation Friday, February 3.

New Date Set for Public Meeting on Preferred Alternative Site Design for Kings Beach State Recreation Area

The California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) are holding a public meeting to solicit comments on an effort to upgrade recreational facilities at Kings Beach State Recreation Area (Kings Beach SRA). The original date, scheduled for Wednesday, January 18, 2017, has been rescheduled to February 2, 2017. Some of the proposed enhancements would be made to the pier, playground, restrooms, picnic areas, boat ramp and parking area. The effort reflects an approach by DPR and the Conservancy to renovate Kings Beach SRA over the next 20 or more years.

North Grove Trail Partially Open at Calaveras Big Trees State Park through the Weekend

A portion of the North Grove Trail in Calaveras Big Trees State Park reopened this morning. Visitors will have limited access to the fallen Pioneer Cabin Tree as well as the Big Stump, but the remainder of the trail is closed. The storms over the last week have created a public safety concern for visitors on several areas of the trail as limbs have fallen and debris continues to run through small streams.

California State Parks Invites Outdoor Enthusiasts to Enjoy the Winter Season Safely

California State Parks reminds outdoor enthusiasts that winter recreation can be hazardous. Every year, thousands of individuals and families enjoy California’s winter season by playing in the snow, fishing, walking/hiking a trail, boating, off-highway recreation or visiting historical sites. The recent winter storms have changed the state’s outdoor landscape with snow in many higher elevation areas and many of our waterways have more water. While many may be eager to enjoy this new landscape, the department reminds outdoor enthusiasts to properly plan for their outings by checking road conditions, site destination availability, the weather, and by enjoying the outdoors safely with everyone.

Heavy Rains Topple Iconic Pioneer Cabin Tree at Calaveras Big Trees State Park

The Pioneer Cabin Tree, one of California’s oldest tourist attractions and a beloved specimen of a rare California native species, fell Sunday in Calaveras Big Trees State Park. A combination of trunk and root decay and storm water runoff appears to have brought the giant sequoia down at its base, shattering it and a nearby cedar tree. No one was hurt. 

California State Parks Invites the Public to Kick-Off the New Year with a First Day Hike

This New Year’s Day 2017, California State Parks will participate in the 5th Annual First Day Hikes at 50 parks across the state. This national-led effort encourages people to experience the beautiful natural and cultural resources found in the outdoors with a seasoned guide so that they may be inspired to take advantage of these treasures throughout the year.

Public Meetings

California State Parks Seeks Public Comment on Amended Proposed Rule for Off-Trail Restrictions in Reserves and Preserves

California State Parks seeks public comment on an amended proposed California Code of Regulation aimed to protect natural and cultural resources in highly-sensitive areas within the state park system. The public review period is now open until 5 p.m., Jan. 18, 2017.

California State Parks Seeks Public Comment on Outdoor Environmental Education Facilities Program

California State Park’s Office of Grants and Local Services is preparing guidelines to award up to $10 million in competitive grants through the Outdoor Environmental Education Facilities Program.

2016 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards Presented to 12 Recipients

The Office of Historic Preservation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2016 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards.

California State Park Organizations Invite You to Skip the Lines and Go Green on Black Friday

116 State Park Destinations Will Be Offering A Limited Number of Free Day-Use Passes

Save the Redwoods League, California State Parks and the California State Parks Foundation have collaborated to create #GreenFriday, a new Thanksgiving tradition that promotes the enjoyment and appreciation of California’s magnificent state parks. Thanks to the support of members and donors from Save the Redwoods and the California State Park Foundation, more than 13,000 free vehicle day-use passes will be available to visitors for use at one of the 116 participating state parks. The passes will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis and cover day-use admission and parking fees. Some of the parks include Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park and Bolsa Chica State Beach.

California State Parks and REI Invite You to "Invent Your Adventure" over the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend

California State Parks and Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) invite the public to “Invent Your Adventure” over the Thanksgiving holiday by participating in a photo contest.  The contest will take place exclusively on the Instagram accounts of California State Parks and/or the seven participating state parks. REI is directly awarding one $100 gift card per participating park to the most creative participants who complete all steps of the photo contest. 

5 MPH Vessel Speed Limit Lifted at Folsom Lake

State Park officials at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area have announced the lifting of the 5 mph speed limit restriction for all vessels at the lake.

California State Parks Offers Free Admission to Veterans and Military Personnel on Veterans Day

California State Parks honors the service of veterans, as well as active and reserve personnel, by offering free admission at 143 participating state parks on Veteran’s Day, Friday, November 11.