Resolution 11-2025

Resolution 11-2025

Adopted by the
CALIFORNIA STATE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
At its regular meeting in Palm Desert, CA
on March 26, 2025

Recognizing and Appreciating California Department of Parks and Recreation
Staff After Recent Fire Events

PREAMBLE:

The State Park and Recreation Commission (SPRC or Commission ) hereby recognizes the devastation and loss that the Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks or California State Parks) incurred and has sustained from the Bidwell Mansion Fire in Chico and the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles; acknowledges the devastating toll the fires took on dedicated State Parks employees and appreciates the efforts of State Parks employees in responding to these devastating fires.

RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS, on December 11, 2024, the historic Bidwell Mansion in Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park was destroyed by a senseless act of arson;

WHEREAS, on January 7, 2025, the Palisades Fire destroyed historic buildings and multiple structures at two California State Parks, including Will Rogers’ historic ranch house and buildings at Will Rogers State Historic Park, as well as the historic Topanga Ranch Motel at Topanga State Park;

WHEREAS, Topanga State Park lost 28 buildings including state operated facilities, and leased concession buildings and structures, such as the historically eligible Topanga Ranch Motel complex;

WHEREAS, Will Rogers State Historic Park lost 19 buildings, many of them contributors to the Will Rogers National Register of Historic Places District, as well as historic landscape features such as fencing, gates, ornamental vegetation, and circulation elements;

WHEREAS, State Parks staff were both directly and indirectly impacted by the fires and suffered losses, including some 20 total employees, some with family members that had to be evacuated, and lost their residences;

WHEREAS, over 160 California State Parks professionals helped respond to the Bidwell Mansion and Palisades Fires, including peace officers, natural and cultural resource specialists, interpreters, facilities maintenance workers, and administrative support staff from throughout the State Parks System;

WHEREAS, these State Parks staff logged over 10,000 hours of work towards the emergency response, investigations, hazard mitigations, artifact safeguarding, evaluations of loss, recovery work, restoration plans, administrative support, peer support, and work with partner agencies and Tribes;

WHEREAS, State Parks staff worked tirelessly to support communities in their time of loss, and provided other crucial roles and duties as required;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the State Park and Recreation Commission appreciates and honors all California State Parks personnel, partners, and stakeholders for their tireless and extraordinary efforts and sacrifices in response to the Palisades and Bidwell Mansion fires;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the SPRC acknowledges the personal and professional losses that State Parks staff sustained, both during and after the tragic Palisades and Bidwell Mansion fires;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the SPRC commends State Parks staff for protecting our state parks, supporting communities and inspiring the Commission and the public to be better stewards of the State Park System, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the SPRC recognizes the heroism, resolution, and dedication shown by State Parks staff in the wake of the devastating Palisades and Bidwell Mansion fires.

Attest: This Resolution was duly adopted by the California State Park and Recreation Commission on March 26, 2025, at the Commission’s duly-noted public meeting in Palm Desert, California.