Great Valley Grasslands State Park General Plan
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PARK HISTORY
Great Valley Grasslands State Park is a 2,826-acre park on the San Joaquin River within California's Central Valley. The park is located within Merced County, about 25 miles west of Merced and six miles east of Gustine. The park is within the Central Valley District of California State Parks.
Great Valley Grasslands State Park, which encompasses the former Fremont Ford State Recreation Area and San Luis Island Project, was opened to the public as a state park in 1992. As of 2024, the park is largely undeveloped and a prime example of native grasslands, wetlands, and riparian forests on the floor of the Central Valley. The west side of the park contains a boat launch, parking area, restroom, and a short trail. There is no developed access to the eastern portion of the park, which features 5-miles of unpaved roads for hiking and biking. Both sides of the park are frequently used by local anglers.
GENERAL PLAN OVERVIEW
California State Parks is working to develop a general plan to guide the park’s long-term management, operations, and development. The Plan will be the primary managing document for Great Valley Grasslands State Park and will identify a vision for the park, with supporting goals and guidelines. The Plan will also guide Park staff and managers in deciding future park development of recreation infrastructure and resource management. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance as part of the planning process to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposals within the general plan.
No long-term plan for the park currently exists. A general plan will provide an opportunity to consider opportunities to improve the visitor experience, identify priority resource management and infrastructure needs, and allow members of the public to provide input on the management of the park.
California State Parks welcomes ideas and suggestions about the future of state park resources. The planning process includes multiple opportunities for engagement and public comment through an online survey and interactive map, public workshops, and a public review period of the draft Great Valley Grasslands State Park General Plan and EIR. Visit the Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Division homepage to learn more about current and past planning efforts at State Parks.
Great Valley Grasslands SP - Base Overview MapSCHEDULE
The general plan process began in February 2024 and will be completed over a three-year period. The EIR process will begin in early 2026. Both the general plan and EIR are anticipated to be completed in early 2027.
Great Valley Grasslands SP - Plan Schedule
OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT
Your involvement is important to us! This General Plan project has many opportunities for you to contribute to planning the future of Great Valley Grasslands State Park.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH MEETINGS
Virtual Community Workshop #1 - October 8, 2024
Video Recording of Public Meeting: ENGLISH VERSION / LIVE SPANISH TRANSLATED VERSION
STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS
Stakeholder Meeting #1 - June 5th, 2024