SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks’ Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division today announced $33.5 million in grants to further provide environmentally friendly and safe off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation opportunities for Californians. One hundred local and federal agencies, districts, and nonprofit organizations were awarded funding for 146 projects that help maintain OHV trails and/or for motorized access to non-motorized recreation, educate the public on responsible recreation, protect wildlife and property including natural and cultural resources, and restore/repair habitat damaged from illegal or legal OHV use.

Starting today, California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is accepting grant applications from organizations that teach on-the-water boating safety education to the public. A total of $1.6 million in grants is available to local public agencies, nonprofit organizations and colleges/universities operating within California for Aquatic Center Education Program grants. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, at noon.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—California State Parks is seeking public input on the future of Seacliff and New Brighton State Beaches to help protect these beaches from the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise and extreme weather. In the initial phase of public engagement, members of the public are invited to participate in an online survey to share information on preferred recreational activities and what they value when visiting the parks.

Headed to the Tahoe Basin for one last summer camping trip? Black bear biologists who work in the Tahoe Basin every day have some advice and thoughts to share.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) and the Koi Nation of Northern California (Koi) today announced the renewal of a 5-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Koi and State Parks and the renaming of two park features at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park (SHP). The MOU formalizes coordination and cooperation between the two entities for the protection, preservation and interpretation at Anderson Marsh SHP.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As Labor Day weekend approaches, California State Parks is excited to welcome outdoor enthusiasts to the state’s diverse landscapes of trails, beaches, lakes, mountains and deserts. However, to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, the department encourages visitors to "Recreate Responsibly" by following important safety tips such as Know Before You Go, Plan and Prepare, Play It Safe and Leave No Trace. To further enhance safety and park experiences, State Parks also invites visitors to use the department’s innovative smartphone apps—what3words and OuterSpatial. 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – With the unofficial end of summer approaching this Labor Day holiday weekend, California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is reminding boaters and water enthusiasts to take extra precautions to stay safe and prevent tragedies on the water. Taking a boating safety course, wearing a life jacket while recreating in the water and actively supervising children when in or near a body of water are simple actions all can take to help improve safety on California’s waterways.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—California State Parks and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) today announced the expansion of the Golden Bear Pass to participants of California’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)program, providing free day-use access to more than 200 state parks. The Golden Bear Pass is a calendar year (January–December) pass available to qualifying Californians who receive Supplemental Security Income, California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program recipients, or income-eligible Californians age 62 and over. Newly issued passes are valid for the remainder of 2023 with an additional pass for 2024 sent at the beginning of the year.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—California State Parks invites the public to become community scientists and celebrate California Biodiversity Day, September 7. More than 40 parks statewide will be hosting more than 60 special events and engaging activities all week long from September 2 to 10. The public is also invited to a friendly bioblitz competition to see who can record the highest number of species of plants and animals in California’s State Park System. Humboldt Redwoods State Park currently holds the record of 380 species identified in 2022.

California State Parks is thrilled to announce the launch of the enhanced PORTS: Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students® website, now available at ports.parks.ca.gov. The PORTS program has undergone a transformation, providing educators and students with an even more engaging and immersive online learning experience.