SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California State Parks today announced a three-phased reopening plan for vehicular use at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) and Pismo State Beach (SB), starting Friday, Oct. 30, 2020. Vehicular access to all state park units was closed in March to prevent visitation surges and help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

California State Parks is asking visitors to be cautious while enjoying Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA), as low water levels have left four of the five boat ramps dry. There will also be a 5 mph maximum speed limit established for the entire lake starting this Thursday, October 22, for public safety due to hazards and the low water conditions.

California State Parks and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today announced that the utility company is helping Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (SRA) recover from the North Complex Fire by removing hazardous trees and installing erosion control measures at three recreational sites.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is offering $1.6 million in competitive grants to local public agencies, colleges, universities and organizations that offer on-the-water training to the public. The deadline to apply for the Aquatic Center Education Program is Friday, Oct. 30, 2020 at noon.

SACRAMENTO – California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, State Parks Director Armando Quintero and Department of Transportation Director Toks Omishakin today announced a series of actions to identify and redress discriminatory names of features attached to the State Parks and transportation systems. Agencies also will expand representation and increase transparency around a state committee tasked with recommending changes to geographic names in California.

SONOMA COUNTY, Calif. – California State Parks uncovered multiple illegal cannabis cultivation operations this summer at Robert Louis Stevenson and Sugarloaf Ridge state parks in Sonoma County, resulting in the arrest of three men from Santa Rosa. The three suspects were arrested for illegal cannabis cultivation, carrying a loaded firearm in public, possession of an assault weapon, unlawful water diversion and polluting a state waterway.

In a unified command with CAL FIRE, California State Parks today announced that portions of Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (SRA) remain closed until further notice due to the North Complex Fire burning in Plumas and Butte counties. Public access for boating and other day-use recreation on the water cannot be accommodated at this time due to public safety concerns and ongoing firefighting efforts.

MORRO BAY, Calif.—California State Parks today announced the reopening of some campgrounds at Morro Bay State Park, Hearst San Simeon State Park and Morro Strand State Beach with new COVID-19 guidelines. Current reservation holders can begin checking in after 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, and walk-ups will not be permitted. Each campsite will allow up to eight people from the same immediate household and two vehicles maximum. Group campsites will remain closed in order to avoid large gatherings.

California State Parks advises Californians to plan ahead this Labor Day weekend since 46 units remain fully closed due to COVID-19 and wildfires. The department is also closing all state beaches in Monterey County and implementing full or partial vehicle access closures in Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz counties. Being prepared, abiding by the closures and following guidelines -- such as wearing face coverings, practicing physical distancing and avoiding gatherings with people outside the immediate household -- can help further slow the spread of COVID-19. 

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks is updating the public on the status of the structures destroyed at Big Basin Redwoods State Park (SP) from the CZU Lightning Complex Fire that continues to burn in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties. However, due to extensive damage and hazardous conditions, State Parks has not fully assessed the damage to all the structures, including historic ones built in the 1930s, and the treasured old-growth redwood trees inside California’s oldest state park. The department advises the public not to enter the park as it remains closed.