The opinions and views expressed in the news stories of interest do not always reflect those of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.


News Stories of Interest

Week of Nov. 8, 2024

Half a billion dollars worth of illegal weed seized in CA state parks: (AUDIO) We have an update on a pot bust in an unlikely place: California State Parks. The joint grow-bust collectively seized around $544 million of illegal weed, and it's nothing new for state parks. For more on this, KCBS Radio anchors Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart were joined by Jeremy Stinson, assistant chief with the California State Parks Cannabis Watershed Protection Program.
KCBS Radio, Oct. 31, 2024

California State Parks Accepting Grant Proposals for Coastal Erosion Projects: California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting letters of intent from public agencies interested in grant funding for projects that address the impacts of coastal erosion on California’s ocean and bay shorelines.
Redheaded Blackbelt, Nov. 4, 2024

Boat carrying 6 people goes missing while crabbing in Sonoma: Authorities are searching for survivors after a boat with reportedly six people aboard went missing Nov. 2 off the coast of Sonoma near Bodega Bay. So far, one person has been found dead and another was rescued and received medical treatment.
John Metcalfe, The Mercury news, Nov. 4, 2024

This California State Park Is A Dead Ringer For Grand Canyon National Park: One of the most beautiful US destinations, the Grand Canyon attracts some of the biggest crowds in the US national park system. Celebrated widely for its breathtaking canyon views, unique geology, and thrilling adventures, the Grand Canyon is the most visited natural wonder in the world.
Quinter Auma, The Travel, Nov. 3, 2024

California Department of Water Resources Staff Discover Invasive Non-Native Golden Mussel in the Sacramento–San Joaquin DeltaGolden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei), an invasive, non-native freshwater bivalve, was recently discovered in the Port of Stockton by California Department of Water Resources staff while conducting routine operations. Suspected golden mussels have also been identified at O’Neill Forebay in Merced County and are currently undergoing genetic testing for confirmation.
Sierra Sun Times, Nov. 2, 2024

8 Unspoiled Small Towns in California's Sierra Nevada: Although California is one of the most populous states in America, its sheer size and vast amount of beautiful landscapes mean that many small, unspoiled towns can still exist within its borders. The Sierra Nevadas, with its rugged mountainous terrain, is one of the most noteworthy regions of California that still feel truly wild.
World Atlas, Nov. 3, 2024

California State Parks Invites Military Community to Enjoy Free Access to Parks on Veterans Day: To show appreciation for the service of U.S. military members, California State Parks is offering free admission to 144 select state parks on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024.
Contra Costa News, Nov. 5, 2024

Limekiln State Park reopens for day use: (VIDEO) Limekiln State Park reopens to the public for day use, announced California State Parks on Monday. State Parks said that the park has been closed due to safety concerns since the Paul's Slide landslide happened on January 14, 2023. State Parks also mentioned that some of the trails had been damaged and beach access limited.
Jeanette Bent, KION-TV, Nov. 4, 2024

California State Parks Seizes Over 25,000 Illegal Cannabis Plants in 2024 Crackdown: California State Parks made significant strides this year in combating illegal cannabis cultivation through its Cannabis Watershed Protection Program (CWPP).
Active Norcal, Nov. 4, 2024

Invasive Mussels Detected in California Waters for the First Time in North America: The golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei), an invasive freshwater species from Asia, has been detected in California’s Port of Stockton—its first known appearance in North America. Golden mussels were likely introduced by an international ship, according to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), which discovered them during routine monitoring. 
Active Norcal, Nov. 4, 2024

California State Parks Awards $30 Million for Sustainable Off-Highway Vehicle Projects Across the State: California State Parks’ Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division today announced $30 million in grant awards focused on safe, responsible and sustainable off-highway vehicle (OHV) experiences. 
Redheaded Blackbelt, Nov. 6, 2024

California Art Shines in Local Parks: Inaugural Grantees Bring Creativity Outdoors: More than 200 applications were received for this grant program administered by Parks California, the collaborative grant partner for State Parks. Recipients were selected through a competitive review process, ensuring statewide representation and meaningful local impact through art, culture, and nature.
Random Length News, Nov. 6, 2024

The Completely Free Attraction Hiding in a California State Park Is a Must-Visit: Nestled in Northern California’s Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Fern Canyon is a hidden gem that feels like stepping into another world. This lush, green canyon, draped with ferns and mosses from top to bottom, creates a surreal, Jurassic-like atmosphere that makes you feel as though you’ve entered a prehistoric wonderland. 
Megan McDonald, Only in California, Nov. 6, 2024

California State Parks Invites Military Community to Enjoy Free Access to 144 Parks on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2024: November 6, 2024 - SACRAMENTO – To show appreciation for the service of U.S. military members, California State Parks is offering free admission to 144 select state parks on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024.
Sierra Sun Times, November 6, 2024

A tiny threat could have big impacts on California's drinking water: At first glance, the small golden mussel doesn't look like much of a threat. When clustered on a pier or the bottom of a buoy, the brownish spheres wouldn’t draw much attention, especially as they look like several of California’s native mussel species.
Suzie Dundas, SFGate, November 6, 2024

Invasive mussels could harm California Delta ecosystem and add to water costs: The recent discovery of a new type of invasive mussel in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is raising concerns that the non-native species could cause major ecological harm and inflict costly complications for the infrastructure California relies on to deliver water across the state.
Ian James, LA Times, November 6, 2024

UPDATE: Permit approved for filming this week at Oceano Dunes: Filming is taking place near the Oceano Dunes. Monday afternoon, production trucks with Warner Bros. and Apple Studios were setting up at the end of Grand Avenue.
KSBY Central Coast, November 5, 2024

How Proposition 4 passing is a big win for California's state parks: California's Proposition 4 passed with 58% voter support. The $10 billion state bond will fund wildfire prevention, clean water, and protect against climate risks. It also has millions of dollars earmarked for California state parks.
James Taylor, CBS13 Sacramento, Nov. 7, 2024

California State Parks Foundation celebrates passage of Proposition 4: On Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, the California State Parks Foundation released the following statement reacting to the passage of Proposition 4 –The Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024. The passage of Prop 4 authorizes up to $10 billion in bonds to help the state become more climate resilient.
Contra Costa Herald, Nov. 7, 2024

Vets can enter 144 state parks for free on Veterans Day: Veterans can enter 144 state parks for free on Veterans Day. The state values the sacrifices made by the nation's military and their families, said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero in a statement.
Wes Woods II, The Siskiyou Daily News, Nov. 8, 2024

This California State Park home to historic kilns, redwoods and ocean views has reopened: A California State Park along Big Sur, home to historic lime kilns, redwoods, and ocean views, has reopened. Limekiln State Park is open for day use after being closed since a landslide at Paul’s Slide occurred early last year, California State Parks announced Monday.
Paris Barraza, The Californian, Nov. 7, 2024