California State Parks Initiates Collaborative Planning Process for Delta Meadows Park Property

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks today announced the department is classifying and developing a comprehensive general plan for Delta Meadows Park Property, which includes the Locke Boarding House, in Sacramento County. The plan will enrich the visitor experience, address critical resource management and infrastructure needs, and incorporate public input into decisions about the park’s future direction. An initial step to gathering public input is an online survey that is now open.

California State Parks Closes Skyline Trail (Cactus to Clouds) in Mount San Jacinto State Park Due to Extreme Heat

PALM SPRINGS, Calif.— California State Parks has temporarily closed the popular Skyline Trail, also known as Cactus to Clouds, at Mount San Jacinto State Park (SP) due to dangerously high temperatures impacting the Palm Springs region. Recent heat waves have led to multiple rescue operations for hikers suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration on the challenging trail. To protect the safety of both the public and first responders, the trail closed earlier this week and will continue to be closed until further notice. 

California State Parks’ Cannabis Watershed Protection Program Cleans Up Illegal Grow Sites Across the State

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks removed about six thousand pounds of trash from four state parks as part of a cleanup operation by its Cannabis Watershed Protection Program (CWPP). The operations were aimed at removing all waste left over from illegal cannabis cultivation.

Oroville’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration Cancelled due to Thompson Fire

OROVILLE, Calif.—California State Parks today announced the cancellation of the City of Oroville’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration show tomorrow for public safety. Due to the large evacuations and damages caused by the Thompson Fire, State Parks and partner agencies including CAL FIRE, California Highway Patrol, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, Public Works, and staff from the City of Oroville, have a large number of resources responding to protect the community and get everyone back home as quickly as possible. These agencies also have employees with families displaced by these evacuations who are tirelessly assisting the community of Lake Oroville.

Division of Boating and Waterways Offers Boating Infrastructure Grants for Marina Operators

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting applications from public and private marina owners for federal Boating Infrastructure Grants (BIG). For 2025, a total of $18 million is available for BIG projects nationally. These grants can fund up to 75% of total project costs, with a maximum available grant award of $1.5 million. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.

Division of Boating and Waterways Encourages Boaters to Boat Sober this Fourth of July Holiday Weekend

Operation Dry Water Will Be in Effect Nationwide July 4-6, 2024

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is urging all boaters to boat sober this coming Fourth of July holiday weekend. DBW and local law enforcement agencies will be participating in Operation Dry Water from July 4-6, 2024, a nationwide initiative to reduce boating under the influence (BUI) and to promote safe boating 

Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians of the Big Valley Rancheria and California State Parks Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Clear Lake State Park

CLEAR LAKE, Calif.— California State Parks and the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians of the Big Valley Rancheria (Big Valley) celebrated the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for Clear Lake State Park (SP), a state park within the Tribe’s traditional territory, on Friday, June 21, 2024.

State Parks Closes Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area Due to Damage from Post Fire

GORMAN, Calif.— California State Parks today announced the temporary full closure of the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) in Southern California due to extensive damage caused by the Post Fire. The closure has been in effect as of June 17, 2024. The wildfire, which started on June 15, has burned through large swathes of the park in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, impacting the SVRA’s infrastructure and resources in the park and leading to hazardous conditions. State Parks strongly advises the public not to enter the park, which will remain closed until further notice.

California State Parks Encourages Visitors to Recreate Safely and Responsibly During Fourth of July Weekend

SACRAMENTO, Calif.– This Fourth of July weekend California State Parks invites all Californians and visitors from around the world to celebrate the holiday in its parks and to recreate responsibly. California’s diverse landscape provides recreational activities for everyone, from swimming in lakes, rivers, and oceans to hiking among giant redwood or sequoia trees to off-highway vehicle riding in deserts and mountains to camping along the coastline. Following simple safety precautions, such as wearing a properly fitted life jacket or proper riding gear, avoiding alcohol, and knowing one’s limits while engaged in recreational activities, can help save lives.

Two California State Parks Seasonal Lifeguards Receive the Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor Award

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—California State Parks is proud to announce that two seasonal non-peace officer lifeguards received the Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor Awards for acts of heroism on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in Sacramento. Maxwell Hunter and Riley Rhodes received the Medal of Valor Award, which is the highest honor the state can bestow upon its employees, given on behalf of Governor Newsom.