NEWS CLIPS

 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
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Week of April 20, 2026 

 

7 Most Rattlesnake-Infested Areas in Southern California to Avoid: These popular SoCal state parks and tourist attractions are known for rattlesnake encounters.
Kathleen Joyce, Pethelpful, April 24, 2026

Stagecoach Trail: The Stagecoach Trail in the Auburn State Recreation Area is really three trails in one. 
Mary West, The Union, April 24, 2026

Just Outside San Francisco Is An Underrated Campground With Oceanfront Sites And Spectacular Sunsets: Although San Francisco, California, may be known for its clunky cable cars, Michelin-recommended dining, and the most iconic views in the world from the Golden Gate Bridge, it's not exactly a camping destination. However, coastal camping is closer than you might think. 
Eva Johnstone, Islands, April 24, 2026

Newsom unveils plan for 3 new Central Valley state parks in major system expansion: Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to create three new state parks in California’s Central Valley as part of a sweeping initiative to expand public lands access and conservation efforts statewide.
Adoreil Ayoubgoulan, Fox40, April 23, 2026

Big Basin gains 153 acres in first expansion in 15 years: California State Parks and Sempervirens Fund recently announced the permanent addition of the 153-acre NoraBella property to expand Big Basin Redwoods State Park, marking the park’s first acquisition in 15 years.
Press Banner, April 23, 2026

Pollinator Party Returns to San Clemente State Beach This Saturday: On a coastal bluff once known for its overwintering Monarch butterflies, a different kind of movement is taking shape — one led not just by insects, but by students, volunteers and families working to bring a habitat back to life.
Angélica Escobar, San Clemente Times, April 23, 2026

Feather River beach and floodplain to become Yuba County’s first state park: A stretch of the Feather River known for its access to recreation and history of flooding has been slotted as the future site of the first state park in Yuba County.
Jake Goodrick, The Sacramento Bee, April 22, 2026

California announces plans for three new state parks: California is planning to open three new state parks and also enlarge several existing parks, officials announced Wednesday, calling the endeavor the biggest expansion of the state parks system in decades.
Kurtis Alexander, SF Chronicle, April 22, 2026

California State Parks Joins ‘Unity Blaze’ Partner Network: California State Parks, the largest state park system in the country with 280 locations statewide, has announced a new multi-year partnership with The Unity Folks.
RV Business, April 22, 2026

Take a jaunt aboard Railtown 1897’s popular wildflower train rides: California State Parks and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation are excited to offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience wildflowers from aboard a historical train at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park.
Traci Rockefeller Cusack, Mountain Democrat, April 22, 2026

Can San Onofre's Surf Beach be Saved?: For nearly a century, San Onofre has shaped California beach culture. But can it be preserved?
Surfline, April 22, 2026

This Gorgeous State Park Is an Affordable, Uncrowded Alternative to Yosemite—and It's Just 3 Hours From San Francisco: Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers giant sequoias, scenic trails, and river access in a quieter, more affordable setting than Yosemite.
Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, April 22, 2026

Which animals are endangered in California? Here are 10 species to watch: The Golden State has the second highest number of species listed as endangered or threatened in the nation, with 298 mammals, birds, fish and other critters under federal protection.
Alexiah Syrai Olsen & Sarah Linn, Sacramento Bee, April 22, 2026

California State Parks invites TK-12 students to enter annual poster contest ahead of State Parks Week: California families who love spending time in state parks now have a creative way to share that passion — and potentially win a prize.
Jessica Porter, Gold Mountain California News, April 21, 2026

Cal Consulting Publishes Coastal/Waterways Grants: The SAVE grant program is designed to remove, reduce and prevent abandoned recreational vessels from entering our waterways.
California Consulting, April 21, 2026

California Officials Say They've Destroyed Over 1M Illegal Pot Plants in Past 10 Years: California has cleared more than 215,000 cannabis convictions and disrupted $1.2 billion in illicit cannabis activity over the past decade.
Cannabis Equipment News, April 21, 2026

Tucked In Northern California Is A Redwood State Park With Seasonal Camping, Coastal Hiking, And Wildlife Views: Hidden all the way in Northern California is Crescent City, a premier gateway to towering trees and ocean charm. While the first place that comes to mind may be Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park with its timeless groves and emerald waters, there's another outdoor haven right at its doorstep.
Anahid Akkam, Islands, April 21, 2026

Six Months After Dr. Jane Goodall's Passing, Los Angeles Students Bring Her Vision to Life with Tree Plantings and Nurseries in Fire-Impacted Areas: Six months after more than 1,000 Los Angeles students gathered at EF Academy Pasadena to launch TREEAMS (Trees + Dreams), an initiative supported by Dr. Jane Goodall.
Street Insider, April 21, 2026

California judge rebukes Trump-backed plan that bypasses state authority in oil pipeline restart: In a rebuff of the Trump administration’s push to restart oil pipelines off California’s Central Coast, a state judge has ruled that a recent executive order does not override state regulations concerning oil operations.
Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, April 20, 2026

You Can No Longer Camp or Park at This National Park: If you’ve been dreaming of a beach camping trip along California’s Central Coast, you may need to adjust your plans. One of the state’s most unique outdoor destinations, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, has implemented a major new restriction that’s changing how visitors experience the area.
Marissa Bradstreet, Parade, April 20, 2026

Fort Bragg celebrates Bainbridge Park reopening with food and fun: After a decade of planning, Bainbridge Park’s grand reopening celebration began Saturday morning under clear, sunny skies.
Mary Rose Kaczorowski, The Mendocino Voice, April 20, 2026

Volunteers show up to help trails, camp for free. Here's why (subscription only):
Scores of volunteers converged on Point Mugu State Park in Ventura County this weekend to clear brush, smooth tread and make repairs on local trails.
Ventura County Star, April 20, 2026

California Natural Resources Secretary Discusses ‘30 by 30’ Conservation Plan: Wade Crowfoot addressed how the plan affects farmland, housing development, and water infrastructure construction.
Mary Prenon, NTD, April 19, 2026

California State Parks welcomes 36 new rangers and lifeguards ahead of summer season: California State Parks celebrated the graduation of 36 new State Park Peace Officers on Friday, April 10, welcoming 28 rangers and eight lifeguards selected from a competitive pool of nearly 1,540 applicants.
Jessica Porter, Gold Mountain California News, April 19, 2026

2 Hours From L.A., On A Few Saturdays A Year, Just 15 People Can Visit This Ancient Native American Village Site Hidden In The Tehachapi Mountains —Here’s The 2026 Tour Schedule: The spring tour window has opened for guided walks of Tomo-Kahni, a "winter village" for California's Indigenous Kawaiisu people.
Jamie Ferrell, Secret Los Angeles, April 19, 2026

10 Northern California Spots to See Wildflower Superblooms This Spring: If this year delivers, here are 10 of the best places across Northern California to experience it firsthand.
Active NorCal, April 19, 2026

Just An Hour From San Francisco Sits A Historic State Park With Ancient Redwoods As Tall As The Statue Of Liberty: The historic state park is just an hour drive from San Francisco and features ancient redwood groves with massive trees.
Dana Flynn, Secret San Francisco, April 19, 2026

This 31-mile Road Passes Some of the Tallest Trees on the Planet—and It’s Called the ‘Finest Forest Drive in the World’: The Avenue of the Giants is a 31-mile scenic drive through Humboldt Redwoods State Park lined with towering redwoods and unique roadside attractions.
Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, April 19, 2026

California State Parks Week Comes to Sue-meg State Park June 13 with Visitor Center Grand Reopening: As California continues to celebrate 175 years of statehood, join California State Parks and partners in celebrating the unparalleled diversity and beauty of the nation’s largest state park system with more than 170 events during the fifth annual California State Parks Week, June 10-14.
Redheaded Blackbelt, April 18, 2026

California beaches have ‘lethal’ hazards. Follow these steps to say safe: Big waves, chilly water temperatures, pounding surf and dangerous rip currents can make the coast a risky place to recreate.
Alexiah Syrai Olsen, San Luis Obispo Tribune, April 18, 2026

One Of California's Largest Sonoma Coast Campgrounds Offers Secluded Beachy Camping And Modern Amenities: Stretching over 50 miles from Bodega Bay's sheltered shores to the mouth of the Gualala River, California's scenic (and less crowded) Sonoma Coast offers the chance to experience a particularly beautiful corner of the state's northern shoreline.
Eva Johnstone, Islands, April 18, 2026

130,000 chinook salmon released into Lake Oroville: Nearly 130,000 chinook salmon were released into Lake Oroville this week, wildlife officials announced Friday. [Video]
Ken Allard, FOX 40, April 17, 2026

This California coastal area is America's No. 1 proposal spot: Romance is in the air, and in the Monterey Bay along California's Central Coast it may just lead to a marriage proposal.
Roseann Cattani, The Californian, April 17, 2026